All incidents
My WhatsApp was compromised
You've noticed messages you didn't send, you were logged out unexpectedly, or someone told you they received a strange message from your account. This can happen if someone obtained your verification code or gained access through WhatsApp Web.
Do this now
- Open WhatsApp and check Settings > Linked Devices. Remove any device you don't recognise.
- If you can't access your account, re-register your phone number in WhatsApp. Successfully registering your number again logs out other devices using the account.
- Never share the six-digit verification code you receive by SMS with anyone, even someone claiming to be WhatsApp support.
Then do this
- Enable Two-Step Verification in WhatsApp Settings > Account.
- Warn close contacts that your account was compromised, in case they received scam messages from it.
- Review your phone for anything else unusual, such as unfamiliar apps.
Check these things
- Are there linked devices you don't recognise?
- Did you recently receive and share a WhatsApp verification code?
- Are contacts reporting strange messages from you?
Don't do this
- Don't share your verification code with anyone for any reason.
- Don't ignore repeated 'account taken over' notifications.
When should I get help?
- Contact WhatsApp support through the official app if you remain locked out after reinstalling.
- Warn your bank if the compromised account was used to request money from contacts.