If you’re not careful, someone can see all the messages you send and receive without you noticing. The imposter could even send messages on your behalf. If you suspect that someone has access to your WhatsApp, here is what you should do.
Log Out of WhatsApp Web
You may have used WhatsApp Web once and forgot to log out. To check if you’re still logged on, you’ll need to open WhatsApp and tap on the three dots at the top right. Select “WhatsApp web”.
If you haven’t logged out of your account, you will see log-out option like in the image below.
If you stay logged on, the other person will continue to be able to read all of your messages. Tap on the blue log-out text, and whoever has access to your account won’t be able to read your messages anymore.
Protect Your Account and Enable Two-Step Verification
Another way you can protect your account is by activating the two-step verification. To set this up, tap on the three dots at the top-right and go to Settings. Go to Account, and tap on “Enable two-step verification.”
Email WhatsApp
If you ever lose your phone or if it’s stolen, emailing WhatsApp (support@whatsapp.com) to deactivate your account is a must. Make sure that the subject of the Email is “Lost/stolen: Please deactivate my account.” Don’t forget to add your phone number in its international version. To see your phone number in its international version, go to “Settings -> Profile,” and it will be at the bottom.
Block Your SIM Card
Besides emailing WhatsApp and letting them know your phone is lost or stolen, it’s best that you also block your SIM card. To do this, you’ll need to call your service provider and give them the IMEI code. For example, T-mobile will need the IMEI number, manufacturer, model, and serial number. To find your IMEI, go to “Settings -> About device -> Status -> IMEI information,” The steps may vary depending on the device you are using.
Other Tips to Keep in Mind
To keep your WhatsApp account safe, don’t share your verification code with anyone. If you do, they can start a session on another device if they managed to get your SIM card. Keep in mind that when you deactivate your account, it will remain inactive for thirty days. If you don’t activate your account after that time, it will be erased.
How to Keep Others Out of Your WhatsApp Account
To make sure no one gains access to your WhatsApp account, make sure that you log out of WhatsApp web immediately after you’re done using it. From time to time, check that you’re not logged into any other sessions by tapping on the three dots (upper-right corner) and selecting WhatsApp Web. Try to keep your display unlocked for a little as possible. You can do this by going to Settings > Display > Screen timeout and choosing either 15 seconds, 30 seconds, or one minute. Using an app lock app is also helpful. Even if someone got a hold of your phone and wanted to access your chats, the app lock would ask them for a passcode only you know.
Conclusion
Even if you’re distracted for a minute, that can give someone enough time to read or send WhatsApp messages. It’s better to be paranoid about protecting your accounts than to think nothing bad is ever going to happen. How do you keep others out of your WhatsApp account?
