What to Do If Your WhatsApp Account is Hacked

With over 3 billion users globally, WhatsApp has become one of the most essential tools for personal and business communication. This popularity, however, makes it a lucrative target for cybercriminals. If you've found out your WhatsApp account has been hacked, immediate action is crucial to minimize data loss, protect your contacts, and regain control. This comprehensive guide walks you through identifying a hacked account, securing your device, recovering your WhatsApp, and safeguarding your account for the future.

Part 1. How to Check if Your WhatsApp Account Has Been Hacked

Recognizing the early signs of hacking is crucial. Here are some unmistakable indicators your WhatsApp account may have been compromised:

• Unexpected Logout: If WhatsApp suddenly logs you out and requests phone number verification, it's a strong sign someone else is attempting to access your account from another device.
• Unknown Devices or Sessions: You notice unfamiliar devices or sessions when checking Linked Devices inside WhatsApp.
• Messages you didn't send: Contacts report receiving suspicious, spam, or scam messages from your number.
• Account activity you don't recognize: Group memberships, profile changes, or status updates you didn't perform.
• Unusual App Behavior: WhatsApp behaves abnormally, or you're unable to open the app as usual.

By staying vigilant and acting swiftly if you notice these signs, you can reduce the impact of an account breach.

Part 2. Immediate Steps to Take After WhatsApp Account Being Hacked

1. Do Not Delay—Regain Access to Your Account

If you can still open WhatsApp:
Immediately enable two-step verification from Settings > Account > Two-step verification to make unauthorized access harder.
Log out of unwanted devices: On WhatsApp, go to Menu > Linked Devices and log out of any device you don't recognize.

If you've been logged out:
Insert your SIM card into your phone (if not already done).
Open WhatsApp and attempt to verify your phone number. If successful, this will kick the intruder out.
If the attacker has enabled two-step verification, you must wait 7 days to re-verify without their PIN.

2. Check Your Device for Malware

Scan your device for spyware or malicious apps: Hackers might have installed new, suspicious apps to help them target new victims. Review your installed apps and remove anything unfamiliar.
Update your device OS and WhatsApp to their latest versions to patch any security vulnerabilities that might have been exploited.

Part 3. How to Recover Your Hacked WhatsApp Account

If you believe your WhatsApp account has been hacked, follow these recovery steps to get your WhatsApp account back:

1. Reinstall WhatsApp: Delete and reinstall the WhatsApp app from the App Store or Google Play. Re-register your account using your phone number.
2. Verify Your Number: During setup, WhatsApp will send you a six-digit verification code via SMS. Enter this code to re-authenticate.
3. Alert WhatsApp Support: If you cannot recover access, email WhatsApp support describing your problem in detail. Include your phone number in international format.

If hackers have enabled Two-Step Verification (PIN) and you don't know it, WhatsApp enforces a 7-day lockout period before you can recover access to your account without the verification PIN. During this period, the hacker cannot access your account either.

Part 4. Securing Your Device and Data

Even after regaining control over your account, it's vital to secure your device:

• Scan for Unexpected or Malicious Apps: Review all installed apps on your device. Delete any you didn't install—these may have been added by the hacker to compromise your security further.
• Change Passwords: For your email and other social accounts linked to WhatsApp or your device. Use strong, unique passwords.
• Notify Contacts: Warn your friends and family that your account was hacked, so they can be alert to scams or suspicious messages sent from your account.

Part 5. How to Safeguard Your WhatsApp Account in the Future

1. Enable Two-Step Verification
This adds an extra layer of protection. Go to WhatsApp > Settings > Account > Two-Step Verification and set a secure PIN.

2. Keep Your Phone and Apps Updated
Always use the latest versions of both your operating system and apps. Updates often include critical security patches that protect against exploits used by hackers.

3. Beware of Phishing Attempts
Never share your verification code or two-step PIN with anyone, even if they claim to be WhatsApp support. Official WhatsApp will never ask for this information.

4. Protect Your SIM Card
Use a SIM PIN and avoid sharing your phone number publicly whenever possible, to prevent SIM swap attacks that can facilitate WhatsApp takeovers.

5. Regularly Review Device Access
Check 'Linked Devices' in WhatsApp and log out any devices or sessions you do not recognize.

Bonus Tip. How to Back Up WhatsApp Chat Messages Before Deletion

How to prevent from losing data when you encounter WhatsApp account is being hacked? Using a third-party tool manage your WhatsApp data and back up from iOS device to computer is the optimal choice. If you are finding a tool that can meet all your needs, TunesKit WhatsApp Transfer is recommended. TunesKit WhatsApp Transfer is a comprehensive WhatsApp data managing tool with benefit features, allowing users to back up WhatsApp chat messages in simple steps, transfer WhatsApp data from one device to another, restore WhatsApp backup files from computer to device, and export WhatsApp backup to computer.

Part 6. FAQs About WhatsApp Account is Hacked

Q1: Can Hackers Read My Old WhatsApp Messages?

No, hackers can control your account but cannot access your past conversations because WhatsApp conversations are stored locally on your device, not on WhatsApp's servers.

Q2: What Should I Do if I See Suspicious Apps on My Phone After Being Hacked?

Delete any unknown or suspicious apps immediately and run a full security scan with a credible security app.

Q3: Will Enabling Two-Step Verification Help After My Account Has Been Recovered?

Yes, enabling Two-Step Verification greatly improves your account security and helps prevent future hacks.

Part 7. Conclusion

With WhatsApp's soaring popularity, threats to account security are rising. Recognizing a hack early, acting decisively to regain control, purging your device of threats, and strengthening your security settings are the best ways to protect your WhatsApp presence. If you want to keep your data safe, download and try using TunesKit WhatsApp Transfer to back up your WhatsApp data regularly.