How to Tell If Your WhatsApp Account Is Hacked — and How to Protect Yourself
Source: Dev.to
WhatsApp is the most widely used instant‑messaging platform on the planet, with over 3.5 billion active accounts in 2025 [source]. For many people it is the de‑facto channel for personal communication, and small businesses as well as larger corporations have adopted it to interact with customers.
Because of its global reach and daily‑life importance, WhatsApp is a high‑value target for cybercriminals. Understanding how to protect yourself and recognizing the warning signs of a compromised account are essential.
Recognizing the Signs Your WhatsApp Account May Be Compromised
Unexpected Activity
- Messages are marked as read without your involvement.
- Messages or media you didn’t send appear in your chats.
- New contacts or group chats appear that you don’t recognize or didn’t add.
- Your Last Seen status shows activity at times when you weren’t using the app.
Unknown Linked Devices
Linked Devices lets you securely access WhatsApp from multiple devices (WhatsApp Web, desktop apps, another phone). Those devices have full access to your chats and media, so periodically review the list and remove any you don’t recognize.
Changes to Profile Information
If your profile photo, status, or display name changes without your consent, it’s a strong indication that someone else may have access to your account.
Unexpected Verification Codes
Receiving an SMS with a WhatsApp verification code you didn’t request usually means someone is trying to register your number on another device.
DO NOT SHARE THIS CODE WITH ANYONE. Sharing it gives the attacker full access to your account.
Unable to Log In or Suddenly Logged Out
If WhatsApp reports that your number is “no longer registered,” or you are logged out and can’t sign back in with your phone number, your account may have been compromised.
What to Do If You Suspect Your Account Is Compromised
Step 1 – Regain Control
- Open WhatsApp and sign in with your phone number.
- Enter the six‑digit verification code sent via SMS. This automatically logs out any existing sessions on devices controlled by an attacker.
If you can’t receive the code because the attacker enabled or changed two‑step verification, WhatsApp enforces a waiting period (e.g., seven days) before you can register the number again without the PIN.
Step 2 – Log Out Unknown Devices
- Go to Settings → Linked Devices.
- Review the list and log out of any devices you don’t recognize.
Step 3 – Alert Your Contacts
Notify friends, family, and colleagues that your account may have been compromised so they can ignore any suspicious messages coming from you.
Practical Tips to Protect Your WhatsApp Account
Enable Two‑Step Verification (2FA)
Two‑step verification is optional but highly recommended. It adds a six‑digit PIN required to register your number on a new device—the single most effective defensive measure.
How to enable:
Settings → Account → Two‑step verification → Enable
- Enter a six‑digit PIN.
- Add an email address to help you recover the PIN if you forget it.
Never Share Your Verification Codes
WhatsApp will never ask you for your SMS verification code or your two‑step verification PIN. Sharing either—even with someone claiming to be WhatsApp support—almost always results in account takeover.
Monitor Linked Devices Regularly
Periodically review the list of devices linked to your account and log out of any sessions you don’t recognize.
Settings → Linked Devices shows the full list.
Use Strong Device Security
- Protect your phone with a secure PIN, biometric lock, or strong password.
- Keep the phone locked when unattended. An unlocked phone lets an attacker link their own device to your WhatsApp account.
Be Wary of Links, Files, and Phishing Attempts
Attackers often send malicious links or files designed to install malware or trick you into revealing sensitive information. Avoid clicking unknown links, opening suspicious attachments, or installing apps from unofficial sources.
Keep WhatsApp & Your OS Updated
Security updates frequently patch vulnerabilities that attackers exploit. Enable automatic updates for WhatsApp and your device’s operating system.
Enable Push Notifications
WhatsApp sends a notification whenever a new device is linked to your account. Keeping notifications enabled lets you quickly detect and remove unauthorized devices.
Avoid Unofficial Apps and Tools
Linked Devices is an official, free feature. Using third‑party apps to link your account can expose your messages and credentials, putting your account at serious risk.
Final Thoughts
WhatsApp is widely regarded as a secure platform thanks to its end‑to‑end encryption. However, account takeovers remain common because attackers typically exploit human behavior through social engineering rather than breaking cryptographic protections.
By recognizing the warning signs of compromise and adopting strong security practices—especially enabling two‑step verification—you can keep your WhatsApp conversations private and your account safe.
By paying attention and carefully handling verification codes and links, you can significantly reduce your risk and better protect your communications.