WhatsApp is part of the daily lives of millions of people in Spain., allowing us to stay in touch with friends, family, and colleagues at any time and from anywhere. However, the widespread use of this platform also means greater exposure of our personal information and the possibility of third parties accessing our conversations without permission.
Protecting your privacy on WhatsApp is not only recommended, it is essential. To prevent sensitive data, images, videos, documents, or details of your private life from falling into the wrong hands. Knowing and making the most of the security options and features the app offers is the first step to communicating securely in the digital world.
Why you should take WhatsApp privacy seriously
Many users still overlook the scope of the information they share or expose on the app. In addition to messages, WhatsApp stores your profile picture, statuses, location, chat history and contacts.All of this can be obvious if you don't configure your privacy settings properly. Who hasn't heard of cases of spying by family members, partners, or even cybercriminals?
Protecting your data on WhatsApp is key to reducing risks. such as identity theft, digital harassment, blackmail, and other threats. Meta (the company that owns WhatsApp) insists that privacy is one of its pillars, but no system is foolproof; careless configuration can open the door to serious problems.
Key security features and new features in WhatsApp
The application has evolved in recent years, incorporating Specific protection functions for both mobile devices and the web versionAmong the most notable are end-to-end encryption, two-step verification, biometric app lock, and advanced options to restrict who can see your information or add you to groups.
Over the last year, WhatsApp has added automatic improvements such as automatic security codes, measures to detect hacking attempts, and device verification to combat malware. You don't need to configure these options; they're applied by default if you have the app updated.
Basic privacy settings on WhatsApp: the essentials
Access the WhatsApp privacy settings From the app itself (on Android, tap the three dots and select Settings; on iPhone, go to Settings; on WhatsApp Web, look for the gear icon). These are the key options you should check:
- Last seen and online: Decide who can see your last connection or if you're using the app. If you disable it for others, you won't be able to see their last connection either.
- Profile Picture, Info and Status: You can choose to show this data to everyone, only your contacts, no one, or your contacts with custom exceptions.
- Read receipts: The famous blue double check can be disabled if you prefer that no one knows when you read their messages (but you also won't be able to see when they read yours).
- Groups: Control who can add you directly to groups. It's recommended to restrict this to your contacts or a select group to avoid spam or unpleasant surprises.
- Real time location: Disable this feature if you don't need to share it.
- Blocked contacts: Use this list to prevent someone from bothering you or sending you unwanted content.
Advanced protection: locks, verification, and secret chats
Blocking access to WhatsApp with biometrics or password
WhatsApp allows you to block access to the app using a fingerprint, Face ID, or PIN code., depending on your device.
- En AndroidYour phone must have version 6 or higher and a biometric sensor. Go to Settings > Privacy > App Lock and activate biometric unlock. You can choose between immediate lock, after 1 minute, or after 30 minutes of inactivity.
- En iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy > App Lock and turn on Require Touch ID or Face ID. You can set the amount of time before locking.
- If you prefer more privacy on WhatsApp, disable the "show content in notifications" option.
Thus, No one will be able to access your conversations even if your phone is unlocked.If biometrics fail, you can log in with your phone's PIN.
Blocking individual chats and hiding them with a secret code
One of the most useful new features is the possibility of protect specific chats with a private folder. You only need:
- Open the conversation you want to protect.
- Click on the name of the contact or group.
- Select “Chat Lock” and activate biometric protection.
The chat is moved to the "Blocked Chats" folder., only accessible with a fingerprint, face, or PIN. And if you prefer, you can hide it completely using a word or emoji as a secret code, so it will only appear when you search for that key. This way, you can protect sensitive conversations from prying eyes, even if you suspect the private folder is suspicious.
Restricting WhatsApp Web and Linked Devices
Using WhatsApp Web on someone else's computer can be a big risk. Now you can Protect access with a password and close active sessions from your mobile phone in the "Linked Devices" section. Periodically review this section to make sure there are no open sessions on devices you don't recognize.
Two-step verification: extra protection against hacking
To prevent third parties from taking over your account, enable two-step verification:
- Go to Settings > Account > Two-Step Verification > Turn On.
- Choose a 6-digit PIN that you'll need to enter when registering your number on any new device.
- You can associate an email address to recover your account if you forget your PIN. It's recommended that you do so.
Never share your PIN or WhatsApp codes., not even with trusted people. If you forget your PIN and don't have an email address associated with it, you'll have to wait seven days to reset it. Also, remember that you can change or add an email address at any time in this section.
Temporary messages and single viewing: stay in control of what you share
WhatsApp allows you send messages, images or audios that self-destruct after being viewed, ideal feature for sharing sensitive or confidential content.
- For temporary messages: Within a chat, tap the contact's name, then "Temporary Messages" and select the period (7 days by default).
- For single-view images and audio, tap the icon (1) before sending the file. The recipient will only be able to view or listen to it once.
Of course, remember that the downloaded files are still on the device and someone could take a screenshot or recording, so no option is foolproof.
Preventing unauthorized access: practical tips
- Do not open suspicious links or files of dubious origin, even if they appear to come from someone you know. Many phishing scams start this way.
- Always update the app to the latest version. Security improvements are usually delivered through updates.
- Beware of unofficial or third-party apps: They can compromise your account and access your data.
- Change your security PIN periodically and keep strong passwords on your mobile and associated services.
Backups: security also in the cloud
WhatsApp allows back up to Google Drive or iCloud, something essential if you lose your phone. However, these backups aren't always end-to-end encrypted by default. Activate the "encrypted backup" option by going to Settings > Chats > Backup and selecting the corresponding option.
So, even if someone accesses your associated email account, will not be able to read your chats without the encryption keyBe careful because if you lose this key, recovering your conversations will be impossible.
Control your data and privacy rights on WhatsApp
WhatsApp allows you request a detailed report of your account from Settings > Account > Request account info. You'll receive a report in a few days with all the data collected about you, your settings, and your activity. It's helpful to know what information you're handling and what you might want to delete.
Hide your IP address and protect your calls
Recently, WhatsApp has incorporated the option of hide your IP address during callsThis prevents unknown callers from accessing data such as your approximate location or internet provider. This feature improves privacy on WhatsApp calls, although it may slightly impact audio quality.
Silence unknown calls and avoid spam
Telephone spam is one of the most common nuisances. Now you can Automatically silence incoming calls from numbers not in your address book. Activate it in Settings > Privacy > Calls. This way, those calls will appear as missed calls but won't interrupt your activity.
Managing groups and channels: who can add you and how to share information
- Check who can add you to groups: Customize this option in Settings > Privacy > Groups.
- With WhatsApp channelsRemember that this information is public to your followers; think carefully before sharing sensitive content and respect the platform's rules.
Essential guidelines to keep you protected
- Check active sessions from Linked Devices, especially if you use WhatsApp Web on public or shared computers.
- Quickly block or report any suspicious contacts harass you, send you unwanted advertising, or attempt illegal activities.
- In video calls, avoid showing personal documents or compromising situations.; any image can be captured and disseminated.
What WhatsApp and Facebook do with your data
Using WhatsApp implies accepting that Your profile and activity data may be shared with companies in the Meta group. (Facebook), as well as third parties for analytics, advertising, and partner services. While they claim not to sell your data, they do share it for marketing, personalization, and legal compliance. Stay informed about their policies to understand the extent of their use of your information.
Taking a moment to configure your WhatsApp privacy settings can save you trouble and prevent sensitive situations from getting out of your control. The current options allow you to protect your messages, limit the visibility of your activity, prevent unauthorized access, and keep spam and internet risks at bay.
Take advantage of every feature WhatsApp offers, stay alert to new threats, and don't hesitate to turn to help like INCIBE's 017 hotline for cybersecurity inquiries. Digital peace of mind has never been so within reach. Share the information so that more people know about the topic.