WhatsApp is private by design, but a few settings decide who can see your photo, when you were last online and whether someone can quietly read your messages from another device. Five minutes here is time well spent.
1. Check linked devices
Open WhatsApp → Settings → Linked devices. Every computer and browser that can read your messages is listed here. If you see anything you do not recognise, tap it and log it out immediately — then change your account security as in step 2.
2. Turn on two-step verification
Go to Settings → Account → Two-step verification and set a six-digit PIN. This stops anyone from registering your number on another phone, even if they somehow get your SMS code. Add an email address when offered, so you can reset the PIN if you forget it.
3. Decide who sees your information
In Settings → Privacy, set Profile photo, Last seen & online and About to 'My contacts' — or 'Nobody' if you prefer. This keeps strangers and scammers who find your number from seeing your face and habits.
4. Control groups and calls
In Settings → Privacy → Groups, choose who can add you to groups — 'My contacts' stops you being dropped into scam groups. If you receive calls from unknown numbers, Settings → Privacy → Calls → Silence unknown callers keeps the phone quiet.
5. Lock the app itself
Settings → Privacy → App lock lets you require your fingerprint or face to open WhatsApp. Useful if children play with your phone or you sometimes leave it unlocked.
Tips and tricks
- Never share the six-digit SMS code WhatsApp sends you — no friend or 'WhatsApp support' will ever need it. Asking for it is always a scam.
- Turn on disappearing messages for sensitive chats rather than the whole account.
- Backups in Google Drive or iCloud are optional; if you use them, protect that account with two-factor authentication too.
Once these are set, your account is far harder to hijack and far less visible to strangers. If something in your linked devices list worries you, request a Digital Checkup and we will check it together.