WhatsApp is one of the most widely used messaging applications, helping millions of people communicate through messages, voice calls, video calls and document sharing. However, many users continue using the application with default privacy settings without realising how much personal information they may be sharing.

From controlling who can see your profile picture to protecting chats with a secret code, WhatsApp offers several features designed to improve account privacy.

Here are seven useful settings every WhatsApp user should know about.

1. Hide Your Last Seen and Online Status

You may not want everyone to know when you are using WhatsApp. The application allows you to control who can view your Last Seen and Online status.

Open WhatsApp, go to Settings, select Privacy and choose Last Seen and Online. You can restrict visibility to your contacts or select specific privacy options.

2. Lock Important Chats

WhatsApp offers a Chat Lock feature that allows users to protect selected conversations using their device authentication method.

Locked chats are moved into a separate folder and require authentication to access them.

This can be particularly useful when you share your phone with family members or occasionally hand it to someone else.

3. Use a Secret Code for Locked Chats

You can add another layer of privacy by setting a secret code for your locked chats.

WhatsApp also provides an option to hide the Locked Chats folder from the main chat list. It can then be accessed by entering the secret code in the search bar.

This makes private conversations less visible to anyone casually browsing your WhatsApp.

4. Control Who Can See Your Profile Picture

Your WhatsApp profile picture may reveal personal information to people you do not know.

Go to Settings, select Privacy and open Profile Photo. You can choose whether everyone, your contacts, selected contacts or nobody can view it, depending on the available options.

For better privacy, consider limiting visibility to your contacts.

5. Enable Two-Step Verification

Two-step verification adds an additional security layer to your WhatsApp account.

To activate it, open Settings, select Account and choose Two-Step Verification. Set a six-digit PIN and add an email address for recovery.

This PIN is different from the OTP received during account registration. Never share either with anyone.

6. Turn On Disappearing Messages for Sensitive Conversations

WhatsApp allows users to enable disappearing messages for individual and group chats.

Depending on the selected duration, new messages can automatically disappear after 24 hours, 7 days or 90 days.

However, remember that disappearing messages do not guarantee complete privacy. Someone may still save, copy or photograph the conversation before messages disappear.

7. Silence Unknown Callers

Receiving repeated calls from unknown numbers can be frustrating.

WhatsApp offers a Silence Unknown Callers feature that helps prevent calls from unfamiliar numbers from ringing on your phone.

You can find it under Settings, Privacy and Calls. These calls may still appear in your call list and notifications.

Bonus Tip: Never Share Your WhatsApp Verification Code

One of the most important security precautions is to never share your WhatsApp registration code or two-step verification PIN with anyone.

Scammers may pretend to be friends, customer support representatives or company employees to convince you to reveal these details.

WhatsApp will not ask you to share your verification code with another person.

Final Words

WhatsApp provides several privacy and security features, but many users never explore them. Taking a few minutes to review your account settings can help protect your conversations, personal information and online activity.

Keep your application updated, enable two-step verification and be cautious about unknown links and messages. A few simple precautions can make your everyday messaging experience considerably safer.