How to find out if your WhatsApp account was hacked and tips to fix it
In this tutorial, we will explain how you can find out if your WhatsApp account has been hacked and provide solutions to regain complete access. These tips work for both iPhone and Android users.
Being the most popular instant messaging platform, individual and business WhatsApp accounts are frequently targeted by hackers.
In some cases, people close to you, such as a spouse, friend, or colleague, may gain backdoor access to your account by activating WhatsApp web through your phone on their computer or iPad. After this, they can see who you message and read all your incoming messages.
Signs that your WhatsApp is compromised
Look for these signs if you smell some foul play with your WhatsApp account.
New device logins
Go to WhatsApp Settings > Linked devices, and you will see all the places (except this current phone) where your WhatsApp account is being used. If you notice some unrecognized device or web browser, that means someone else is monitoring your messages.
Random logouts
If you’re frequently logged out of WhatsApp, that could be a sign that someone else is signing up using your phone number on their phone, and thus, WhatsApp is logging you out from yours.
Changes to your messages
If you notice new account activity that you do not recall making, chances are that your WhatsApp is compromised. For instance:
- You see recent messages you do not recall sending.
- You have new message replies that you do not recall reading, or these replies are unrelated to messages you have sent.
- Your new messages are marked read, which means someone else is reading them before you.
- Some important conversations have been deleted.
- A few chats have been unarchived or archived.
- You have joined new WhatsApp groups and channels.
- There are new outgoing calls and incoming calls that have been answered. But it could also be that a family member picked up the phone.
Your location is being shared
If someone wants to know where you’re at all times, they may have gained access to your WhatsApp account nefariously and then set it up to share your location with them. This location is transmitted to them even when you’re not actively using the app.
Go to WhatsApp Settings > Privacy > Live location to see the people with whom you’re sharing your real-time location. From here, tap Stop sharing to end this.
You show online even when you aren’t
Close WhatsApp on your iPhone or Android phone and wait for 5 minutes. Now, open your conversation screen inside WhatsApp on a family member’s or friend’s phone, and if you appear online, that suggests your account is being used on some other device, provided you (or the unauthorized user) has not turned off last seen and online status for your account.
What to do if your WhatsApp account gets hacked
If you have reviewed the points above and believe your WhatsApp account is hacked, here are the solutions to fix it.
Ask around if someone used your phone
Before moving to the main tips, ask people who have access to your phone if they used your WhatsApp to message someone.
Log out of unrecognized devices
Go to WhatsApp Settings > Linked devices and tap a device or web browser that isn’t yours. Now, tap Log Out. Repeat this process for all other devices.
Set up two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) will ensure that you are asked to fill in a six-digit code (that you set) after verifying with an OTP sent to your mobile number whenever you try to log in to WhatsApp on a new phone or computer.
This ensures that even if someone is reading your SMS or has forwarded your calls to their number, they still can’t log in to your WhatsApp account as they do not have your six-digit 2FA code.
Extra info: You can also set up a passkey for your WhatsApp account to register using Face ID, fingerprint, or device lock instead of SMS.
Remove suspicious apps
Do you recall installing random apps on your Android phone that have access to your messages, phone calls, screen recordings, location, and more?
Usually, hackers will find ways to install such apps on your phone via ads, web page popups, or direct APK files. Once you fall into this trap, this malicious piece of software can read your verification messages, upload your contacts to their servers, access your precise location, record your phone screen, and more.
Go to your Android phone’s Settings > Apps > All apps or See all n apps and remove all unneeded third-party applications.
You should also open Google Play Store, tap your profile picture, and hit Play Protect > Scan to find harmful apps. Don’t forget to restart your phone after that.
Get help from WhatsApp support
If you are still having issues, it’d be best to contact WhatsApp. You can do this right from the app.
- Go to WhatsApp Settings and tap Help > Help Center.
- Scroll to the bottom and tap Contact Support.
- Describe your issue, tap Next, and follow along.
Deactivate or delete your WhatsApp account and reactivate it later
In case your mind is still not at ease, you can deactivate your WhatsApp account or delete it entirely. Doing this will stop WhatsApp usage on every device where it’s active. You can sign up again later using your old phone number.
Other things to keep in mind
In addition to the above tips, here are some extras that are equally important.
Secure your phone
This is usually your first line of defense. Set a strong alphanumeric password and make your Lock Screen private so others cannot access your WhatsApp.
Don’t fall for WhatsApp scams
Scammers message people on WhatsApp with APK files, GIFs, discount codes, and such to trick older or non-tech savvy people into sending them money or getting access to their devices. Educate people in your family not to respond to chats from unknown and foreign accounts.
Ask WhatsApp to deactivate your account if you lose your phone
If you lose your phone, you can put it in lost mode to secure it further. Additionally, you can ask WhatsApp to deactivate your account.
Report loss of SIM card
If you misplace your physical SIM card, contact your carrier and report it as lost, or take a replacement card soon. This will ensure that the person who finds your SIM card or has stolen it cannot create a WhatsApp account via SMS sent there. You should also set a PIN on your SIM card to prevent unwanted use.
On a related note: How to lock your WhatsApp chats on iPhone like a pro
Source link: https://www.idownloadblog.com/2024/05/31/how-to-fix-hacked-whatsapp-account/
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