Meta owned WhatsApp protects users with end-to-end encryption, meaning messages remain private between the sender and recipient. Still, some users are exposed to greater risks, such as hacking and spyware threats. To tackle this, the platform has launched Strict Account Settings, a safety feature that offers enhanced security without requiring users to adjust multiple settings manually.
By wrapping several security tools into one switch, Strict Account Settings offers a more direct path to safer chats. Users do not need to understand every technical detail to gain useful defences.
What changes does Strict Account Settings enable?
When this mode is turned on, WhatsApp automatically applies the most secure privacy settings to your account. This helps reduce unwanted contact and limits how strangers can interact with you.
Some of the key changes include:
-Messages, media, and attachments from unknown numbers are blocked
-Calls from people not in your contacts are automatically silenced
-Link previews are disabled to avoid harmful or suspicious links
-Only approved contacts can add you to groups
-Profile details like profile photo, About, Last Seen, and Online status are hidden
-Two-step verification is enabled for extra account security
-You receive alerts if your account’s security settings change
These steps make it harder for attackers to reach or trick users through WhatsApp. Although these settings, when turned on, may reduce convenience for some people, WhatsApp says the goal is to offer maximum safety for those who need it most.
How to enable WhatsApp’s Strict Account Settings?
WhatsApp will start rolling out these features worldwide over the next few weeks. Once available, users can turn it on by going to Settings, then Privacy, and selecting Advanced Settings. From there, Strict Account Settings can be enabled with a single tap.
It is important to note that this setting can only be changed from your main phone. It will not appear on WhatsApp Web or desktop versions.
With this Strict Account Settings update, Meta joins other tech companies that offer high-security modes, such as Apple’s Lockdown Mode and Google’s Advanced Protection. The move shows that Meta is focusing more on user safety and privacy, especially as online threats like scams continue to grow. This comes at a time when WhatsApp is facing controversial claims of breaching user privacy despite enabling end-to-end encryption. WhatsApp has reassured that these claims are false and the user messages can’t be accessed by anyone
