10 Mistakes You Should Avoid on WhatsApp for Safety

April 12, 2025

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1. Mistakes You Should Avoid on WhatsApp: Group Privacy Settings

Don’t let strangers add you to groups randomly. Group chats are fun but also risky sometimes. Some groups can share spam, fake news, or scams. Control who can add you to any group.

Go to Settings > Privacy > Groups to fix this. Select “My contacts” or “My contacts except…” option. It helps you block unknown people from adding you.

2. Avoid Replying to Unknown Messages and Contacts

Never reply to unknown numbers or strangers. Some scammers use random numbers to trap people. Ignore unknown messages that look suspicious or unclear.

If they continue messaging, block the contact immediately. Delete the message without clicking any suspicious links. Links may lead to scams or data theft. This keeps your account safe from harmful activity.

3. Mistakes You Should Avoid on WhatsApp: Forwarding Fake News

Stop forwarding unverified news or scam messages. Fake messages spread quickly and cause confusion everywhere. Always check before forwarding anything to your contacts. Even if a loved one sent it, confirm first.

They might have sent it by mistake. Never share content from unknown sources or people. Forward only trusted information to protect others too.

4. Avoid Making Your Profile Details Public

Keep your personal info hidden from unknown users. Some people make their profile visible to everyone. This can expose you to spam and risks.

5. Turn Off Auto-Save for Photos and Videos

WhatsApp saves all media by default on phone. This can fill up your storage very quickly. Also, some media may be inappropriate or unnecessary.

Go to Settings > Storage and Data > Media Auto-Download. Turn off automatic saving for photos, videos, and audio. Ask a friend to send media to test it. Now, only chosen media will stay on your phone.

6. Mistakes You Should Avoid on WhatsApp: Unknown Calls

Unknown calls can be annoying and sometimes dangerous. Silence these calls to avoid scam callers easily. WhatsApp allows silencing calls from unknown numbers.

Go to Settings > Privacy > Calls > Silence Unknown Callers. This stops calls without alerting you every time. It helps avoid spam but may block useful calls. So, check call logs if waiting for deliveries.

7. Not Backing Up Chats Securely is a Mistake

Chat backups are important if phone gets lost. Most people forget to enable encrypted chat backup. Unencrypted backups are risky and can be hacked.

Go to Settings > Chats > Chat backup > Encrypted backup. Tap “Turn on” and create a secure password. You can also choose a 64-digit encryption key. Always backup chats to protect memories and data.

8. Not Enabling Two-Step Verification is Risky

Two-step verification adds a layer of account safety. Without it, hackers may access your WhatsApp easily. Use both PIN code and fingerprint or Face ID.

Go to Settings > Account > Two-step verification. Tap “Turn on” and set a strong PIN. Biometric security gives extra protection to your chats. This ensures only you can access your account.

9. Bonus: Not Updating WhatsApp Regularly

Many users forget to update WhatsApp on time. Old versions may have bugs or security issues. New updates fix problems and improve app safety.

Always update WhatsApp through Google Play Store regularly. Updates give better features and stronger security too. Turn on auto-update to never miss any version. Stay safe by always using the latest version.

10. Bonus: Clicking on Unknown Links in Groups

Some group messages may contain dangerous links. These links can install malware or steal your data. Never click links without knowing the sender properly.

Many scams spread through group messages every day. Check link sources before clicking or opening them. If unsure, report and exit the group quickly. Keep your phone clean from malicious websites and content.

As We Conclude

Now you know the mistakes you should avoid on WhatsApp. Always protect your privacy, data, and chats online. These small steps can save you from big trouble.

Update settings, avoid strangers, and check your security. Help others by sharing these tips with them. Stay safe and smart while using WhatsApp every day. A safe app makes a stress-free life.