Archive · 2 Feb 2026
WhatsApp Introduces Strict Account Security Settings
WhatsApp, which is owned by Meta, has added a new feature called Strict Account Settings to help keep users safe.
This feature turns on the most secure privacy settings automatically.
It blocks messages and calls from people you don't know, hides your profile details, and makes it harder for strangers to add you to groups.
It also turns on extra security steps like two-step verification and alerts you if there are changes to your security settings.
You can turn this feature on in the settings menu.
WhatsApp says this is to protect users from online threats and scams.
Other tech companies like Apple and Google have similar high-security modes.
WhatsApp has also said that claims of breaching user privacy are false and that messages are end-to-end encrypted, meaning only the sender and recipient can read them.
WhatsApp introduces Strict Account Settings to enhance user security and privacy.
The feature automatically applies the most secure privacy settings to reduce unwanted contact.
Key changes include blocking unknown messages and calls, disabling link previews, restricting group additions, hiding profile details, enabling two-step verification, and alerting on security changes.
Users can enable Strict Account Settings via Settings > Privacy > Advanced Settings.
The feature is rolling out worldwide over the next few weeks and can only be changed from the main phone.
- Who
- WhatsApp users
- What
- Introduction of Strict Account Settings for enhanced security
- When
- Rolling out over the next few weeks
- Where
- Globally
- Why
- To strengthen user privacy and reduce risks like hacking and spyware
- Platform
- Parent Company
- Meta
- Security Feature
- Strict Account Settings
- Key Changes
- Blocks unknown messages, silences unknown calls, disables link previews, restricts group additions, hides profile details, enables two-step verification, alerts on security changes
- Availability
- Rolling out worldwide over the next few weeks
- Activation Method
- Settings > Privacy > Advanced Settings > Strict Account Settings
- Device Limitation
- Can only be changed from the main phone, not WhatsApp Web or desktop
