Review a quick checklist to help secure your WhatsApp account and protect it from hackers and unauthorized access.

WhatsApp is the world's most popular instant messaging service, and scammers, hackers, and other malicious individuals are constantly trying to access others' accounts to steal personal chats, obtain codes from businesses, and trick family members and friends into sending money.

The solutions below should help you protect your WhatsApp account.

Lock the App or Individual Chats

If you are concerned that people around you, like family or coworkers, will see your private chats, you can lock the entire app using iOS's built-in app locking feature.

If you want to lock and hide a specific chat, WhatsApp offers this option as well; we explained this in our dedicated guide on how to professionally lock your WhatsApp chats on iPhone.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication

When someone with access to your phone tries to log into WhatsApp on a new device, a one-time code is sent via SMS or phone call to the registered phone number. By enabling two-factor authentication, you can add an extra layer of protection. This means that even if someone has your phone or SIM card, they will need to enter the 2FA code that you know to complete the registration on a new device.

When setting up two-factor authentication, don't forget to add and verify your email address, which you can use to recover your account if necessary.

Do Not Share Your WhatsApp Code with Anyone

If you receive a code (via SMS or call) on your phone for registering WhatsApp on another device and you are not the one doing it, you should never share that code in a call or message. WhatsApp Support does not ask for login codes from you; anyone asking for this is definitely a scammer trying to take over your account.

Periodically Review the Devices You Are Logged Into

Go to WhatsApp Settings > Linked Devices and review the list of phones, tablets, computers, and web browsers that have logged into this WhatsApp account. If there is a linked device you no longer use, tap on it and then click on Log Out.

Enable Additional Encryption for Your Chat Backups

If you back up your WhatsApp chats to iCloud, you can add an extra layer of security and privacy by enabling end-to-end encryption in WhatsApp Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.

Do Not Respond to Random Messages or Accept Unknown Video Calls

If you receive random messages or calls from unknown numbers, do not respond or answer even to ask who they are. Just ignore them or check their numbers on sites like Truecaller, then decide what action to take. If they feel like scammers, they probably are; block that account and report it.

Do Not Share Your Main Number Randomly

Unless necessary, do not share your phone number with random websites, stores, people, etc. This will reduce promotional spam messages and enhance your security.

Do Not Click on Random Links

As an iPhone user, you do not need to worry about scammers trying to install a malicious app on your phone by sending you an APK file (this only works on Android phones). However, you may be exposed to phishing scams through links and media attachments. Therefore, if you receive a suspicious link, photo, video, or PDF, do not click on it. Just delete the message and report it.

Regularly Update the App

Another fundamental thing you can do is regularly update the app. If there is a bug or a known security vulnerability in the current version of the app, WhatsApp proactively fixes it with an app update.

Add a PIN to Your Physical SIM and Secure Your Identity

eSIMs are already protected by iPhone encryption, but if you are using a physical SIM, secure it with a 4-digit PIN. After this, a PIN will be required to use this SIM in other phones (iPhone, Android, classic phones).

You might also consider setting up a password key that uses Face ID or Touch ID for authentication for your WhatsApp account. This is available in the app under Settings > Account > Password Keys.

Secure Your iPhone

And finally, WhatsApp is just one of the apps on your smartphone. If you do not take steps to secure your iPhone, this can lead to all sorts of problems, including putting your WhatsApp account at risk.