Five Simple Ways to Add Extra Layers of Security to Your WhatsApp Account and Stay Safe from Scams 

From privately connecting with loved ones and colleagues to running businesses and managing community groups, WhatsApp has become an important part of everyday life for millions of South Africans. 

To help people communicate with confidence, WhatsApp is built with multiple layers of security and privacy that are designed to keep users in control of their experience. These protections, include several built-in features that can help users further strengthen their account security and privacy. 

Here are five WhatsApp features every user should know about.

Add an Extra Layer of Security with Two-Step Verification 

One of the simplest ways to strengthen your WhatsApp account is by enabling Two-Step Verification. 

This optional feature adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a six-digit PIN whenever your phone number is registered on a new device. Even if someone gains access to your SMS verification code, they won’t be able to complete the registration without your PIN. 

To enable Two-Step Verification: 

• Open Settings 

• Tap Account 

• Select Two-Step Verification 

• Create a six-digit PIN and add an email address for recovery 

Taking a minute to switch on this feature can provide long-term peace of mind. You can learn more here.  

2. Stay in Control with Your Privacy Settings

WhatsApp gives users control over who can see their personal information. 

Take a moment to review your privacy settings and choose who can view your: 

• Profile Photo 

• Last Seen & Online Status 

• About Information 

• Status Updates 

• Live Location 

You can also control who can add you to groups, helping reduce unwanted interactions. 

Regularly reviewing these settings ensures your account reflects your personal privacy preferences. You can learn more about these controls here.  

3. Use WhatsApp’s Built-In Safety Features

WhatsApp includes several tools designed to help users manage conversations with confidence. 

These include: 

• Block & Report unwanted contacts. 

• Silence Unknown Callers to automatically silence calls from numbers that are not in your contacts while still recording them in your call history. 

• Unknown Contact information, which provides additional context and safety prompts when messaging someone you don’t know. 

These features are designed to help people make informed decisions while remaining in control of who can contact them. 

4. Protect Your Verification Code and PIN

Your verification code and your Two-Step Verification PIN are unique to you. 

WhatsApp will never ask you to share either of these details. 

Treat them like a password. 

Keeping this information private is one of the easiest ways to help protect your account. Learn more here.  

5. Pause Before You Respond

Technology is only one part of staying safe online. 

One of the most effective habits users can develop is simply taking a moment before responding to unexpected requests. 

If you receive a message asking for money, personal information or urging immediate action: 

• Pause before responding. 

• Verify the request through another trusted communication channel. 

• If something doesn’t feel right, use the Block & Report feature. 

A few extra seconds can make all the difference. 

You can learn more about how to stay safe on WhatsApp here.  

A Safer WhatsApp Experience Starts with You 

WhatsApp continues to build new features that give users protection options to add more layers of security, while making private communication simple and reliable.. 

By enabling security features, reviewing your privacy settings and making use of WhatsApp’s built-in tools, you can take simple but meaningful steps towards creating a safer messaging experience for yourself and those around you.