What To Do If Your WhatsApp Account Is Hacked And How To Secure It

WhatsApp has become one of the most widely used messaging apps in India and across the globe, making it a prime target for cybercriminals. Hackers hijack accounts not just to spy on personal chats but to carry out scams, spread spam, and trick your friends and family. Knowing how to spot the warning signs and how to respond quickly can save you from major trouble.

Signs Your WhatsApp May Be Hacked

You should act immediately if you notice:

• Friends complain about receiving strange or suspicious messages from you.
• You receive login verification codes that you never requested.
• Your profile name, photo, or description changes unexpectedly.
• Chats appear deleted, or messages show up that you never sent.
• You find yourself added to random groups.
• WhatsApp tells you your account is being used on another device.

The most dangerous sign is losing access altogether, which means hackers have taken control.

How Hackers Steal WhatsApp Accounts

Cybercriminals usually exploit two tricks:

1. Linked Devices – Hackers connect another device to your account without you knowing, gaining access to your chats.
2. Re-registration – They re-register your WhatsApp on their own device, locking you out.

Steps to Recover a Hacked WhatsApp Account

• Insert the SIM card connected to your WhatsApp into your smartphone.
• Open WhatsApp and check if you can still log in.
• If yes, go to Settings → Linked Devices, and log out of all unknown devices.
• If you are logged out, request a new verification code via SMS or call, enter it, and re-register.
• If hackers set a PIN, reset it using your registered email. If you did not add an email, you may have to wait a week before regaining access.
• Restore your chats from iCloud or Google Drive if prompted.

Inform Your Contacts

Hackers may impersonate you, asking for money or sending fake links. Immediately alert friends and family via calls, texts, or by updating your WhatsApp status warning them not to trust suspicious messages.

Prevent Future Hacks

• Enable two-step verification in WhatsApp and set a PIN.
• Never share verification codes with anyone.
• Use passkeys for biometric login.
• Link a recovery email and secure it with a strong password.
• Ask your mobile operator to secure your SIM against duplication or forwarding.
• Install antivirus protection on your devices.

Taking these steps will help you recover quickly and protect your WhatsApp account from future hacks.