WhatsApp Security: 6 Privacy Features To Enable Now

Enhance WhatsApp Security: 6 Essential Privacy Features to Enable

While WhatsApp provides end-to-end encryption, protecting your account from digital threats remains your responsibility. To safeguard your conversations and personal information, WhatsApp offers several privacy features that need to be manually activated. This guide will explore six essential features you should enable for enhanced WhatsApp security.

1. Two-Step Verification: An Extra Layer of Security

Two-step verification is a crucial step in boosting your WhatsApp security. It adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a six-digit PIN in addition to your password when logging in from a new device. This makes it much harder for unauthorized individuals to access your account, even if they somehow obtain your password.

How to enable two-step verification:

1. Open the WhatsApp app.

2. Tap the three-dot icon in the top right corner.

3. Go to Settings.

4. Select Account.

5. Tap Two-step verification.

6. Create a six-digit PIN and enter your email address associated with your WhatsApp account.

2. Biometric Protection: Lock Your WhatsApp with Fingerprint or Face ID

For even more security, consider using biometric protection to lock your WhatsApp app with fingerprint or Face ID. This feature ensures that only you can access your messages by requiring your fingerprint (for Android) or Face ID (for iPhone) before opening the app.

How to enable biometric protection:

1. Go to Settings.

2. Select Privacy.

3. Scroll down and choose Fingerprint Lock (Android) or Face ID (iPhone).

4. Activate Unlock with Fingerprint/Face ID.

5. You can choose to lock WhatsApp manually or automatically after a specific time interval.

3. Group Privacy Control: Manage Who Can Add You to Groups

Do you find yourself added to unwanted WhatsApp groups? Group privacy control allows you to decide who can add you to groups. This feature gives you more control over your WhatsApp experience and prevents unsolicited group invitations.

How to enable group privacy control:

1. Go to Settings.

2. Click Account > Privacy > Groups.

3. Choose one of the following options:

Everyone: Anyone can add you to a group.

My Contacts: Only contacts saved on your phone can add you to a group.

* My Contacts Except: Only contacts saved on your phone can add you to a group, except for a few contacts that you exclude.

4. Disappearing Messages: Control Your Message Lifespan

The disappearing messages feature lets you set a timer for messages to automatically delete after a specified time. This provides a layer of privacy and temporary message retention, ideal for sensitive conversations.

How to enable disappearing messages:

Private Chat:

1. Open the WhatsApp app.

2. Select the chat where you want to activate disappearing messages.

3. Click on the user's profile.

4. Tap Disappearing messages.

5. Choose an available time option: 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days.

Group Chat:

1. Open the WhatsApp app.

2. Go to the group where you want to activate disappearing messages.

3. Click on the group profile.

4. Click Disappearing messages.

5. Select an available time option: 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days.

5. Hide Profile Picture: Maintain Your Privacy

If you want to keep your profile picture private and only share it with your close contacts, you can hide it from other WhatsApp users. This feature ensures your profile picture is visible only to those you choose.

How to hide your profile picture:

1. Open the WhatsApp app.

2. Tap the three-dot icon in the top right corner, and click Settings.

3. Select Account.

4. Click Privacy.

5. Choose the Profile Photo option.

6. Check the Nobody option.

6. Mute Unknown Callers: Reduce Unwanted Calls

This feature allows you to block calls from numbers not saved in your phone's contacts. This is a useful feature for filtering out spam calls, telemarketing calls, and other unwanted communications.

How to mute unknown callers:

1. Open WhatsApp.

2. Tap the three dots at the top, then go to Settings.

3. Click Privacy.

4. Select Calls to enable the Mute Unknown Callers feature.

5. Slide the toggle to the on position.

Conclusion: Enhance Your WhatsApp Security Today

By enabling these essential privacy features, you can significantly enhance your WhatsApp security and protect yourself from various digital threats. Take control of your privacy and ensure that your WhatsApp account remains a safe and secure platform for communication. Regularly review and update your privacy settings to stay ahead of potential threats and maintain control over your information.