WhatsApp’s New Lockdown Security Feature: What It Does and How to Turn It On

WhatsApp has just launched a powerful new privacy option called Strict Account Settings to give users stronger protection against advanced cyberattacks like spyware and targeted hacking. This new lockdown-style security feature is designed for people who feel their WhatsApp accounts might be at risk, such as journalists, public figures, and other high-risk users.

In this guide, we explain what the Strict Account Settings feature does, who might need it, and exactly how to enable it on your device.

What Are WhatsApp’s Strict Account Settings?

Strict Account Settings is a high-level security mode that WhatsApp describes as a set of “extreme protections” meant to reduce the chance of being compromised by sophisticated cyber threats.

Think of it as a lockdown for your messaging app. When switched on, WhatsApp limits several parts of how the app normally works:

• The app blocks attachments and media from people not in your contacts.

It disables link previews to reduce exposure to potentially harmful URLs.

Calls from numbers not in your contacts are silenced or limited.

Only select people from your contact list can add you to groups.

Many of these protections were possible individually before, but Strict Account Settings groups them together into one lockdown-style security mode you can turn on with a single switch.

WhatsApp cautions users that this level of protection isn’t necessary for everyone. In its own words: “Most people do not need this level of protection. This will reduce the quality of your messaging experience and calls.”

Who Should Consider Using This Enhanced Security Setting?

This privacy feature is ideal for users at higher risk of targeted attacks, including:

• Journalists or media professionals
  
  
• Public-facing figures

Activists or political figures

Anyone who thinks they may be targeted by sophisticated cyber campaigns

While anyone can enable this mode once it is fully rolled out, WhatsApp recommends it only for those who feel the extra layer of protection outweighs potential limits to everyday functionality.

How Strict Account Settings Works Compared to Similar Features

WhatsApp’s Strict Account Settings follows the trend set by other major tech companies offering extreme privacy modes for high-risk users:

• Apple’s Lockdown Mode introduced in 2022 also limits attachments and certain web features for added security.

Android’s Advanced Protection Mode offers similar high-security safeguards on devices.

Like these tools, WhatsApp’s new feature sacrifices some convenience to maximize security and reduce attack vectors.

Step-by-Step: How to Enable Strict Account Settings on WhatsApp

Follow these simple steps to switch on the new Strict Account Settings:

1. Update your WhatsApp app to the latest version available.
   
   
2. Open WhatsApp and go to Settings.

Tap Privacy.

Scroll down and select Advanced.

Tap Strict Account Settings, read the terms, and agree to them.

You will be prompted to create a 6-digit PIN before you can turn it on.

Once turned on, those strict protections immediately take effect, helping to shield your account from certain kinds of sophisticated cyberattacks.