8 WhatsApp Features That Can Seriously Improve Your Security and Privacy
WhatsApp is one of the most widely used messaging platforms in the world, with more than 3 billion active users. But with such massive popularity comes increased attention from hackers, scammers, and data harvesters.
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| 8 WhatsApp security and privacy features to protect your chats and account." |
Recently, security experts revealed a new account takeover technique called GhostPairing, where attackers trick users into linking an unknown browser to their WhatsApp account. Around the same time, researchers in Austria exposed billions of phone numbers using WhatsApp’s contact discovery system, revealing profile photos and other personal details.
Although WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption, meaning only you and the recipient can read messages, that alone isn’t enough. Meta has added features like encrypted backups and privacy-focused AI tools—but your personal security still depends on how you use the app.
Here are eight powerful WhatsApp features you should enable to stay as private and secure as possible.
Privacy Checkup
The easiest way to start securing your account is by using Privacy Checkup, available in Settings > Privacy. This tool lets you control who can see your profile photo, About section, and Status updates.
For maximum privacy, you can also change Last Seen and Online visibility to Nobody.
Beyond that, WhatsApp allows you to:
- Block unwanted users
- Stop unknown callers
- Control who can add you to groups
- Manage blocked contacts
These small changes can greatly reduce spam, scams, and unwanted attention.
Also read: how to use WhatsApp without internet
Disappearing Messages
Even though WhatsApp messages are encrypted, they can still be exposed if your phone is hacked or physically accessed. Disappearing Messages help reduce this risk.
You can set messages to automatically delete after:
- 24 hours
- 7 days
- 90 days
This feature can be applied to individual chats or enabled by default for all new conversations through
Settings > Privacy > Default Message Timer.
Keep in mind: disappearing messages rely on trust. Recipients can still take screenshots or forward content.
Two-Step Verification with a Security PIN
WhatsApp accounts are tied to phone numbers, which makes them vulnerable to SIM-swap attacks. That’s where Two-Step Verification comes in.
To enable it:
- Go to Settings > Account > Two-Step Verification
- Set a secure PIN
- Add an email address for recovery
This PIN acts as an extra security layer. WhatsApp now also supports passkeys, offering even stronger protection for your account.
App Lock and Chat Lock
Message previews appearing on your screen can expose private information. You can prevent this by disabling lock-screen notifications from your phone settings.
WhatsApp also offers App Lock, which secures the app using:
- Face ID / Touch ID (iPhone)
- Fingerprint Lock (Android)
Enable it via Settings > Privacy > App Lock.
For extra-sensitive conversations, use Chat Lock, which hides selected chats in a separate folder protected by biometric security.
You can lock a chat by opening the contact info and selecting Lock Chat.
If needed, locked chats can be instantly deleted from
Settings > Privacy > Chat Lock > Unlock and Clear Locked Chats.
Enable Advanced Security Settings
Some of WhatsApp’s most useful security features are hidden under Privacy > Advanced and are turned off by default.
These include:
- Block Unknown Messages – stops mass scam messages
- Protect Your IP Address – routes calls through WhatsApp servers to hide your IP
- Disable Link Previews – prevents automatic previews that may expose your IP
Note: enabling IP protection may slightly reduce call quality, but improves privacy.
Advanced Chat Privacy
Advanced Chat Privacy prevents others from:
- Exporting chats
- Auto-downloading media
- Using your messages for AI features
To enable it:
- Open a chat
- Go to Contact Info > Advanced Chat Privacy
- Turn it on
For group chats, any participant can change the setting unless restricted by an admin. Admins can control this via
Group Info > Group Permissions.
Be aware: users on older WhatsApp versions may bypass some restrictions without notifying you.
Disable Read Receipts
Blue ticks show when you’ve read a message—but not everyone wants that visibility. You can disable read receipts from
Settings > Privacy > Read Receipts.
Once disabled:
- Others won’t see when you read messages
- You won’t see when they read yours
- This does not affect group chats
Turn Off Automatic Media Downloads
By default, WhatsApp saves photos and videos directly to your phone, which can clutter your gallery and risk privacy.
To stop this:
- Go to Settings > Chats
- Turn off Save to Photos
WhatsApp also lets you send view-once photos, videos, and voice notes. Before sending media, tap the “1” icon so it disappears after being viewed once.
WhatsApp says privacy remains its top priority.
“We continue to lead the industry in meaningful innovations that protect people’s messages and calls,”
says WhatsApp spokesperson Ellie Heatrick.
With every feature, we focus on safeguarding what matters most—private and secure communication.
Also read:WhatsApp AI Features 2026 – Smarter Chats, Images & Future Updates
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is WhatsApp really secure for private messaging?
Yes, WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption, which means only you and the person you’re chatting with can read the messages. However, enabling extra security settings is important to stay fully protected.
2. Can WhatsApp messages be hacked or tracked?
Messages cannot be read during transmission due to encryption, but risks increase if your phone is compromised, stolen, or if you fall for scams like account hijacking. Security features help reduce these risks.
3. What is the safest setting for WhatsApp privacy?
The safest setup includes enabling two-step verification, app lock, chat lock, disappearing messages, and advanced privacy settings like blocking unknown messages.
4. Does disabling read receipts improve privacy?
Yes, disabling read receipts prevents others from knowing when you’ve read their messages. However, you also won’t see read receipts from others.
5. Are disappearing messages completely safe?
They help reduce data exposure, but they are not foolproof. Recipients can still take screenshots or forward messages.
6. How can I protect my WhatsApp account from hackers?
Use a strong two-step verification PIN, add an email for recovery, enable app lock, and avoid sharing verification codes with anyone.
7. What is Advanced Chat Privacy in WhatsApp?
It prevents chats from being exported, stops auto media downloads, and restricts using your messages for AI features, adding another layer of protection.
8. Is WhatsApp safer than other messaging apps?
WhatsApp is among the most secure mainstream messaging apps, especially when all privacy and security features are enabled correctly.
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