WhatsApp has become an essential part of everyday life in India. People use it to communicate with family, share office documents, receive payment confirmations and run businesses. But as the app becomes more important, protecting an account from scams, impersonation and unauthorised access is equally critical.

Many users assume that their account is safe as long as nobody knows their password. In reality, scammers can exploit verification codes, trick people into linking unfamiliar devices or use social engineering to take control of accounts.

The good news is that WhatsApp provides several security and privacy settings that can help users reduce these risks.

1. Enable Two-Step Verification

Two-step verification adds an extra layer of protection to your WhatsApp account. Once enabled, you create a six-digit PIN that WhatsApp may ask you to enter when registering your phone number again.

To enable it:

1. Open WhatsApp.

2. Go to Settings.

3. Select Account, then Two-step verification.

4. Follow the instructions to set up your PIN and recovery email, where available.

Choose a PIN that is difficult to guess and never share it with anyone claiming to be a WhatsApp representative.

2. Check Which Devices Are Linked to Your Account

WhatsApp allows users to connect their accounts to linked devices, including computers and other supported devices. This is convenient, but an unfamiliar linked device could create a privacy risk.

Open WhatsApp Settings and select Linked Devices. Review the list carefully and log out of any device you do not recognise or no longer use.

Make it a habit to check this section periodically, especially if you have used WhatsApp Web on a shared or public computer.

3. Never Share Your Verification Code

One common account-takeover trick involves a scammer asking a victim to share a WhatsApp registration code received by SMS or through another verification method.

The scammer may pretend to be a friend, a customer-support agent or someone who accidentally entered the wrong number.

Never share your verification code or two-step verification PIN with another person. If someone asks for these details, treat the request as suspicious, even if the message appears to come from a known contact.

If a friend sends an unusual request for money or sensitive information, verify it through a separate communication channel before responding.

4. Restrict Who Can Add You to Groups

Being added to unfamiliar WhatsApp groups can expose your phone number and make it easier for scammers to approach you.

WhatsApp offers group privacy controls that let users restrict who can add them directly to groups.

To review this setting, open Settings, select Privacy and then Groups. Choose the option that best suits your needs.

Depending on the available options, people who cannot add you directly may need to send an invitation instead. This gives you a chance to decide whether you want to join.

5. Turn On Chat Lock for Sensitive Conversations

Some conversations contain private information that you do not want appearing in your regular chat list.

WhatsApp's Chat Lock feature allows supported conversations to be placed in a separate protected section that requires device authentication or another supported method to access.

Open the relevant chat, tap the contact or group name and look for the Chat Lock option.

Remember that Chat Lock does not replace general phone security. Someone who can unlock your phone or access notifications may still see information if your settings are not configured carefully.

6. Review Privacy Settings for Your Profile

Your profile photo, status, last-seen information and online presence can reveal more about your activity than you realise.

WhatsApp allows users to control who can see several of these details. Open Settings, select Privacy and review each available option.

For example, you can restrict your profile photo or status updates to your contacts or a smaller audience, depending on the available controls.

You can also review who is allowed to see when you were last online. Choosing more restrictive settings may help limit unwanted attention from strangers.

7. Activate Passkeys If Available

Passkeys provide an alternative way to authenticate an account using supported device-security features, such as a fingerprint, facial recognition or a device PIN.

WhatsApp supports passkeys on compatible devices and accounts, although availability and setup options may vary.

To check whether the feature is available, open WhatsApp Settings and look under Account for the Passkeys option.

A passkey can reduce reliance on traditional verification methods in supported situations. However, users should still maintain control of their device, protect their recovery methods and follow WhatsApp's current account-security guidance.

Bonus Tip: Be Careful With Screen-Sharing Scams

Scammers sometimes ask victims to start a video call and share their phone screen under the pretence of helping with a payment, fixing an account or verifying information.

Once screen sharing begins, sensitive information such as verification codes, banking notifications and personal messages may become visible.

Never share your screen with an unknown person who contacts you unexpectedly. If you need technical assistance, use the organisation's official support channels instead of following instructions from an unsolicited caller.

What Should You Do If Your WhatsApp Account Is Compromised?

If you suspect someone has gained access to your account, act quickly.

• Attempt to register your phone number again through the official WhatsApp app.

• Never share the new verification code with anyone.

• Check Linked Devices and log out of unfamiliar sessions if you can access the account.

• Warn your contacts if someone is sending suspicious messages from your account.

• Follow WhatsApp's official account-recovery instructions if you cannot regain access.

If a scammer has impersonated you to request money, inform affected contacts immediately and report the incident to the appropriate authorities.

The Bottom Line

Protecting WhatsApp requires more than simply keeping your phone number private. Verification codes, linked devices, privacy settings and suspicious screen-sharing requests all deserve attention.

Enabling two-step verification, reviewing linked devices and refusing to share security codes are among the most useful precautions users can take.

A few minutes spent checking these settings today could help prevent an account takeover or protect sensitive conversations in the future.