How to Make WhatsApp More Secure with Privacy Settings in 2025

WhatsApp is a top choice for instant messaging worldwide. Though it uses end-to-end encryption, extra steps can further secure it. With these steps, you can make WhatsApp more secure and private, ensuring your conversations stay safe. 

Here, I will explain 10 easy tips to help you protect your privacy on WhatsApp.

also read: How to Unmute Instagram Notes Easily: A Beginner Guide in 2025!

1. Enable Disappearing Messages to Remove Sensitive Conversations

Disappearing messages are a great feature to make WhatsApp more secure and private. This option deletes messages after a set time, reducing the risk of sensitive chats being accessed.

• How to activate: Open a chat, tap the contact’s name, then select Disappearing Messages. Choose a time for deletion.
• Benefits: This ensures sensitive messages won’t stay on your device forever.

Enabling disappearing messages is a simple way to keep your chats temporary and safe.

2. Turn On Security Code Change Notifications

Turning on security code notifications is a crucial step. Security codes help you confirm if a chat is end-to-end encrypted. You’ll get an alert when a contact’s security code changes, which could mean they’ve switched devices.

• How to enable notifications: Go to Settings > Account > Security, then turn on Show security notifications.
• Why this helps: This notification lets you confirm your chat is secure.

Enabling this feature alerts you to any changes, so you can verify your contact’s security.

3. Use Two-Step Verification for Extra Protection

Two-step verification adds an extra layer of protection to your WhatsApp. This feature lets you set up a six-digit PIN to secure your account.

• How to enable: Go to Settings > Account > Two-step verification and set a PIN.
• Why use two-step verification: It blocks anyone else from accessing your account.

With two-step verification, you control access to your account, even if someone else has your phone.

4. Lock WhatsApp with Fingerprint or Face ID

Locking WhatsApp with your fingerprint or face ensures that only you can open it, even if others use your phone. This feature is especially useful if you often lend your phone to others.

• How to activate on Android: Go to Settings > Privacy > Fingerprint lock and toggle it on.
• How to activate on iOS: Go to Settings > Privacy > Screen Lock and choose Require Touch ID or Require Face ID.

Using fingerprint or face ID makes WhatsApp more secure and private, adding a layer of protection.

5. Enable End-to-End Encrypted Backups

While WhatsApp messages are encrypted, backups are not secure by default. Enabling end-to-end encryption for backups ensures your stored data remains private.

• How to enable encrypted backups: Go to Settings > Chats > Chat backup > End-to-end encrypted backup, then turn it on.
• Why this matters: Encrypted backups protect your data from external access.

Securing your backups helps you keep stored chats safe, even on third-party servers.

6. Beware of WhatsApp Scams

Scams can be a serious threat to WhatsApp users. Common scams include offers for “WhatsApp Gold” or messages that ask you to pay for WhatsApp.

• How to identify scams: Avoid paying for WhatsApp, as it’s free.
• Why this matters: Scammers may trick you into revealing private information or making payments.

Knowing about these scams helps you avoid traps and stay secure on WhatsApp.

7. Download Only the Official WhatsApp Desktop Apps

When using WhatsApp on a computer, only use official apps. Unofficial or third-party apps may contain malware or security risks.

• How to get the official app: Download WhatsApp from the official website for Windows or Mac.
• Why this matters: Official apps protect you from security risks that could arise with unofficial ones.

Using the official app ensures a safer WhatsApp experience on your computer.

8. Adjust Privacy Settings for More Control

WhatsApp’s privacy settings let you control who can see your personal information. You can choose who views your Last Seen, Profile Photo, Status, and other details.

• How to access privacy settings: Go to Settings > Account > Privacy.
• What you can control: Options include hiding your Last Seen, turning off read receipts, and limiting who can add you to groups.

By customizing these settings, you control what information is visible to others.

9. Check Encryption for Each Contact

WhatsApp allows you to verify encryption for every chat. Checking a contact’s encryption code ensures your chats are private.

• How to check encryption: Open a chat, go to the contact’s profile, and select Encryption. A QR code and 60-digit number will appear.
• Why this matters: Verifying encryption reassures you that your messages are secure.

Regularly checking encryption codes is a proactive way to ensure your chats remain private.

10. Use WhatsApp on a Secure Network

Using a secure, trusted network makes WhatsApp more secure and private. Public Wi-Fi networks can pose risks, as hackers may attempt to intercept data.

• Best practices: Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive WhatsApp conversations.
• Why this matters: Public networks are more vulnerable to data theft, potentially exposing private information.

Connecting through a secure network strengthens your WhatsApp privacy, preventing unauthorized access.

Download: Android

The Final Thoughts 

Using these top 10  tips can make WhatsApp more secure and private. From two-step verification to encrypted backups, these steps enhance your privacy on the app.

Following these practices ensures that your chats, photos, and details are protected. Remember, staying aware and proactive is key to a safe WhatsApp experience.