Contents
In this article, we will walk you through detailed steps to detect devices connected to your WhatsApp account and remove any unauthorized access, alongside essential tips and guidelines to keep your WhatsApp account fully secured.
You may also like: Login to WhatsApp Web on your computer from Google
Checking Devices Connected to Your WhatsApp Account
This step is part of a self-protection strategy that every user should follow regularly. When the devices connected to your account are more than those you personally use (your smartphone or your personal computer), this is a clear indicator of potential unauthorized usage. Regular verification contributes to:
- Early detection of hacking attempts before the damage is already done.
- Safeguarding your personal data and sensitive conversations with family and loved ones.
- Preventing intruders from accessing your contacts and exploiting them for malicious and unauthorized purposes.
- Avoiding malware and malicious links sent through compromised accounts—which could infect others or expose them to fraud. (We want people to bless us, not blame us!)
Therefore, it is crucial to regularly check the active devices linked to your WhatsApp account.
How to check linked devices on WhatsApp
WhatsApp allows users to view all active sessions through the “Linked Devices” feature for WhatsApp Web/Desktop. Here are the steps to detect:
1. Access the “Linked Devices” Section
Tap the menu button in the WhatsApp application and select “Linked Devices.” Here, you will see a list of every device that has scanned the QR code for your account to enter your chats via the browser or desktop application.
2. View Active Session Details
This window will show you the name of the browser or app used, the operating system, the last active time, and the approximate location of the device. Review this information carefully.
How to Cancel Unauthorized Access to Your WhatsApp Account and Secure Your Sessions
Once you are aware of the connected devices, comes the stage of canceling unauthorized sessions and securing your account:
1. Log Out from All Devices
In the “Linked Devices” list, choose the “Log out from all devices” option. With this step, any device connected to your account will be required to scan the QR code again for entry.
If there is one browser logged in, tap on it and then select Log out.
2. Change the SMS Verification Code or Authentication Code
Try to change the phone number associated with your WhatsApp account if you suspect direct targeting. Go to settings, then account, and select “Change number” and follow the instructions to successfully complete the process.
3. Enable Two-Step Verification
The most important feature in protecting your account is Two-Step Verification. By enabling it, you add an extra layer of security that requires entering a PIN code of your choice when logging in again:
- Go to Settings > Account > Two-Step Verification.
- Press “Enable” and follow the steps to choose a secret 6-digit code.
- Enter your recovery email to ensure the ability to recover the account if the code is forgotten.
4. Regularly Update the Application and Operating System
WhatsApp continuously releases periodic updates to address security vulnerabilities and enhance privacy. Therefore, always ensure to:
- Update WhatsApp from the Google Play Store or App Store.
- Update your phone’s operating system to the latest supported version.
- Avoid installing apps from untrusted sources or those that request inappropriate permissions for their functions.
Additional Tips to Enhance Your WhatsApp Account Security
Alongside the previous steps, there are some simple yet highly important practices:
- Do not share the verification code sent via SMS with anyone, even if they claim to be WhatsApp staff.
- Avoid opening links or attachments from unknown contacts that may contain spyware.
- Set the privacy of your status and profile picture to show only to friends or saved contacts.
- If you experience a hacking attempt, enable “Security Notifications” in settings to receive alerts when the encryption key of your chats changes.
- Make sure to use a reliable Wi-Fi network protected by a password, and avoid unprotected public networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if someone else is using my WhatsApp account?
When someone else logs in using a linked device, you may notice messages being read without your knowledge or sent from your account. You can also identify unfamiliar active sessions through the “Linked Devices” section. Additionally, you may receive a notification from WhatsApp stating that a session was opened on a new device.
Is Two-Step Verification enough to protect my account?
Two-Step Verification is a strong line of defense, but it is not a substitute for other security practices. It is advisable to use a strong password for your phone, regularly update apps, and avoid connecting to unknown Wi-Fi networks.
What should I do if I am hacked and can’t log back in?
If you lose access to your account, first try to request a resend of the verification code via SMS. Then use your recovery email to retrieve the Two-Step Verification code. If the issue persists, you can contact WhatsApp support through the contact form available on their official website.
Do connected devices registered in older versions of WhatsApp appear?
Menu names and locations may vary slightly in older versions, but the same feature has been available for years. If you are using an old version, update to benefit from a simplified interface and improved security measures.
