Is WhatsApp Safe to Use? Everything You Need to Know

WhatsApp is generally safe for messaging and calling, thanks to end-to-end encryption that protects your personal conversations. However, that doesn't mean the app is completely private or free from security risks. WhatsApp is owned by Meta, which collects certain account and usage information, and users can still encounter scams, malicious links, and account takeover attempts.

So, should you use WhatsApp? For most people, it's a convenient and reasonably secure way to communicate, provided you take a few precautions. Below, we'll explain what WhatsApp protects, where its privacy limitations lie, and how to secure your account. We'll also cover when antivirus software can help protect your devices from malicious downloads and other threats.

Is WhatsApp safe?

Yes, WhatsApp is generally safe to use if you take the proper precautions. Its biggest security advantage is end-to-end encryption, which helps keep your personal messages and calls private. However, encryption doesn't prevent scams, protect a compromised device, or stop Meta from collecting certain information about your account.

WhatsApp sends and receives messages and calls over your cellular connection or a Wi-Fi network. Personal messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted by default, meaning WhatsApp and Meta generally can't read or listen to their contents while they're being transmitted. However, WhatsApp still collects certain information, such as account details, device information, and usage data. Messages you report to WhatsApp may also be shared with the service for review.

Aside from end-to-end encryption, WhatsApp offers additional security features, including two-step verification, which adds a PIN to help protect your account from unauthorized registration.

But how do users feel about the messaging platform, and how does it compare to texting?

Opinions are divided when it comes to the question of how safe the app is, with 26% of respondents saying they feel it's less safe than traditional texting, while 22% say they feel it's actually safer than texting.

On the issue of unwanted messages, however, there's a bit more of a consensus. Nearly 40% of users say they receive fewer unwelcome messages on WhatsApp compared to traditional texting, while just 26% say they receive more of those kinds of messages.

Negative experiences can influence how someone feels about just about anything, and messaging apps like WhatsApp are no exception.

Nearly three-quarters (74%) of WhatsApp users reported that they've received random message requests from strangers on the app, which is the most common safety risk experienced by the respondents.

Two other negative experiences have happened to more than half of users, as more than two-thirds (67%) say they've been sent spam or scam messages, while 60% have received spam or scam links on the app.

How to make WhatsApp safer

While WhatsApp offers several security features, you can take additional steps to protect your account and limit what others can see about you.

Disappearing messages is an optional privacy feature that lets you set messages to disappear after a specified period. For example, if you're discussing something personal with a friend, you can enable disappearing messages to limit how long the conversation remains in the chat. However, this doesn't guarantee that messages can't be saved. Recipients may be able to screenshot, copy, forward, or otherwise preserve their contents before they disappear.

As with any online app, there are risks to using WhatsApp. Keep in mind that WhatsApp shares certain information with other Meta companies, including account and device details and some information about how you interact with businesses. End-to-end encryption protects personal message contents, but it doesn't prevent all data collection.

WhatsApp security risks

WhatsApp's encryption protects your conversations, but it can't eliminate every security risk. Scams, malicious downloads, account takeovers, and data collection are some of the concerns worth understanding.

Hackers and malware

Cybercriminals may use WhatsApp to send malicious links, attachments, or fake download prompts. Clicking a suspicious link could lead to a phishing website designed to steal your login credentials, while downloading malicious software could compromise your device or expose personal information.

These threats can affect both desktop and mobile users. Although iPhones and Android devices have built-in security protections, neither is immune to malicious apps, phishing, and mobile malware. WhatsApp's security features can help detect certain suspicious activity, but they can't guarantee protection from every threat.

Best anti-malware programs

Antivirus software can add another layer of protection against certain malicious downloads, websites, and other threats you might encounter through WhatsApp. However, it won't prevent Meta from collecting account information or stop every WhatsApp scam. Protection also varies by device: Android security apps can offer malware scanning, while iPhone security apps generally focus on features such as malicious website blocking because of iOS restrictions.

We recommend Norton, one of our top tested antivirus apps, for protecting compatible devices against malware and other online threats.

WhatsApp scams

Scammers can use WhatsApp to impersonate friends, family members, businesses, or other trusted contacts. For example, you might receive an urgent message claiming that a loved one needs money. Even if the message appears to come from someone you know, their account could have been compromised. If you're unsure, contact the person through another trusted method before responding or sending money.

Another common tactic involves stealing your WhatsApp registration code. If you receive a verification code you didn't request, someone may be trying to register your phone number on another device. Never share your six-digit registration code or two-step verification PIN, even with someone claiming to represent WhatsApp support.

Be wary of invitations to exclusive versions of WhatsApp, such as the long-running WhatsApp Gold scam. These messages may promise special features or direct you to malicious websites or downloads. Use only official WhatsApp apps and updates, and avoid installing software from unfamiliar links. Also, be cautious about sharing your phone number publicly, since scammers may use it to contact or target you. Learn more about the risks of a compromised number.

Data sharing

Although WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption to protect personal messages and calls, Meta can still collect and use certain information about your account and activity. This can include your phone number, device information, connection details, and information about how you interact with businesses on WhatsApp.

WhatsApp shares certain information with other Meta companies for purposes such as security, service improvements, and supporting business features. However, that doesn't mean Meta can routinely read your encrypted personal conversations. The information available to WhatsApp also differs from what a business may collect when you communicate with it, particularly when that business uses third-party services to manage messages.

Since WhatsApp requires a phone number to register, it isn't an anonymous messaging service. Other users may be able to see your number, depending on how you interact with them, and businesses may collect information you choose to share. A virtual private network (VPN) can conceal your IP address from some network observers, but it won't hide your phone number from WhatsApp or prevent Meta from collecting information associated with your account.

Given how divided opinions are about WhatsApp's safety, we also wanted to explore how WhatsApp users feel about the app's parent company, Meta. Specifically, we asked how they feel about what Meta does with the messages and data they send and store on WhatsApp.

More than half of respondents (58%) say they believe that Meta is collecting and using their data and express that they don't like it. That's more than double the percentage that believes Meta is collecting their data but doesn't care about it (23%) and more than three times the percentage that doesn't believe Meta is collecting their data at all (19%).

Fake news

Fake news can spread on any platform. Often, these messages get forwarded by others and gain more traction from user to user. Since fake news can spread quickly, be wary of sensational claims, misleading articles, and messages urging you to forward information without checking its source. Misinformation can also be used in scams, including attempts to trick you into sharing personal information. Similar tactics appear in common TikTok scams.

WhatsApp limits how widely messages can be forwarded at once to help slow the spread of misinformation. Messages that have already been forwarded many times face stricter forwarding limits. However, these measures don't guarantee that the information you receive is accurate, so it's worth verifying suspicious claims before sharing them.

WhatsApp safety and privacy settings

For the best experience using WhatsApp, you should configure your safety and privacy settings. There are several settings you can adjust to make the app more secure. Here are three ways to improve your privacy and protect your conversations.

Turn on end-to-end encrypted backups

WhatsApp automatically uses end-to-end encryption for personal messages and calls, so you don't need to turn it on. However, you can separately enable end-to-end encryption for your chat backups stored in Google Drive or iCloud.

To enable end-to-end encrypted backups:

1. Open WhatsApp and go to Settings.
2. Tap Chats, then Chat Backup and End-to-End Encrypted Backup.
3. Tap Turn On and follow the prompts to set up the available backup protection method, such as a password, encryption key, or supported passkey option.
4. Follow the remaining instructions to create your encrypted backup.

Keep your backup recovery credentials secure. Depending on the protection method you choose, losing access to them could prevent you from restoring your messages.

Adjust privacy settings

To change your WhatsApp privacy settings:

1. Open WhatsApp and go to Settings.
2. Tap Privacy.
3. Review and adjust what other users can see, including your profile information, online status, and read receipts.

If you want the most privacy, it's a good idea to limit who can see the following information:

• Last Seen and Online statuses
• Profile photo
• About information
• Status updates
• Read receipts
• Who can add you to groups

Some privacy settings are reciprocal. For example, turning off read receipts generally means you won't see other people's read receipts in individual chats either. You can also review options for blocking unwanted contacts and limiting who can contact you.

Enable Touch ID or Face ID

Using Touch ID or Face ID on WhatsApp gives you an extra layer of security by requiring biometric authentication to open the app on supported iPhones. Android devices may offer fingerprint or other app-lock options, depending on the device and WhatsApp version.

To enable Touch ID or Face ID on a supported iPhone:

1. Go to WhatsApp Settings.
2. Tap Privacy, then App Lock or Screen Lock, depending on your version.
3. Enable the available Touch ID or Face ID option.
4. Choose when WhatsApp should require authentication again.

How to stay safe on WhatsApp

You can reduce your risk of scams, account takeovers, and unwanted exposure by combining WhatsApp's built-in security features with safe messaging habits. Here are some ways to stay safe:

• Recognize and avoid common scams, especially unexpected requests for money, personal information, or verification codes.
• Be cautious about sharing your phone number publicly or with unfamiliar people.
• Review your WhatsApp privacy settings and limit who can see your personal information.
• Never share your six-digit registration code or two-step verification PIN with anyone.
• Enable two-step verification and use a recovery email address you control.
• Use a strong device passcode and enable biometric authentication or app lock where available.
• Review linked devices and sign out of any sessions you don't recognize.
• Enable end-to-end encrypted chat backups if you use cloud backups.
• Keep WhatsApp and your device's operating system updated to receive security fixes.
• Avoid suspicious links and downloads, and use reputable security software where appropriate.

If someone asks for sensitive information or sends an unexpected verification request, don't respond until you've confirmed their identity through a trusted channel. You can also block and report suspicious accounts directly in WhatsApp. Remember that knowing your phone number alone doesn't give someone access to your messages, but scammers may use it to target you with phishing or account takeover attempts.

Bottom line

WhatsApp is generally safe for everyday messaging, but its security and privacy protections have limitations. Personal messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted by default, which helps prevent WhatsApp, Meta, and outside parties from reading their contents during transmission. However, Meta still collects certain account and usage information, and encryption won't protect you from scams, compromised devices, or someone gaining access to your account.

The most useful steps you can take are enabling two-step verification, protecting your phone with a passcode or biometric lock, reviewing your privacy settings, and turning on encrypted backups. Be cautious about unexpected messages and never share WhatsApp verification codes. Antivirus software can provide additional protection against certain malicious links and downloads, but it isn't a substitute for these account security measures.

If keeping personal information out of Meta's ecosystem is a priority, you may prefer a more privacy-focused messaging service. Our Signal vs. WhatsApp comparison can help you weigh the differences. Otherwise, WhatsApp remains a practical option for staying in touch, provided you understand its data collection practices and use its security features.

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