Overview
If you suspect your WhatsApp account has been hacked, there are a few steps you should take immediately:
- Log out of WhatsApp on all devices
- Contact WhatsApp to delete or temporarily deactivate your account
- File a report with WhatsApp so they can investigate
- Report the hack to local law enforcement
- Change passwords on any accounts that used the same password as WhatsApp
- Avoid clicking suspicious links that may have led to your account being hacked
It’s important to move quickly to limit the damage a hacker can do once they access your account. WhatsApp provides resources to help recover and secure your account if it’s been compromised.
Log Out of All Devices
The first step is to log out of WhatsApp on all devices in your possession, including:
- Your mobile phone or tablet
- WhatsApp Web sessions on your computer
- WhatsApp Desktop app on your computer
Logging out everywhere will disconnect the hacker and prevent further access unless they can verify via SMS or call.
On your mobile device:
- Open WhatsApp > Settings > Account > Log Out
- This will log you out of the mobile app on your device
To log out of WhatsApp Web sessions:
- Open the WhatsApp Web session in your browser
- Click the menu icon (3 dots in top right)
- Select Log Out to disconnect that browser session
For the desktop app, open the app and go to Settings > Log Out. Log out of all desktop sessions.
Once logged out everywhere, the hacker will no longer have access to your account and messages.
Contact WhatsApp to Delete or Deactivate Account
After logging out, you should contact WhatsApp directly to request deleting your account or temporarily deactivating it. This will sever access to your account more permanently.
You have two options to deactivate or delete your account:
Temporary deactivation – This deactivates your account for up to 30 days. No one will be able to access your messages or info during this time. It gives you a chance to secure your device before reactivating.
Permanent deletion – This erases your account permanently from WhatsApp. You will no longer have access once it’s deleted. WhatsApp notes it may take up to 90 days to fully delete all backup data.
To request deactivation or deletion:
- Open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Account
- Scroll down and tap Delete My Account
- Select either Temporarily deactivate account or Permanently delete account
- Tap the red Delete button to confirm your selection
Deactivating or deleting your account ensures the hacker will no longer have access. You can always recreate a new account later or reactivate your old account within 30 days. But this locks out the hacker.
File a Support Request with WhatsApp
It’s also important to notify WhatsApp directly that your account has been hacked. WhatsApp provides a support form to report unauthorized access to your account.
When you report it, WhatsApp can take further steps to secure your account, block the hacker’s access, and investigate how the hack took place.
To file a report with WhatsApp:
- Open WhatsApp and tap Settings > Help > Contact Us
- Tap My account was hacked
- Complete the support request with details of when/how account was accessed
- Include your phone number so they can verify you are the account owner
- Tap Send to submit your report to WhatsApp
WhatsApp reviews all hacking reports and has a team dedicated to assisting users who have had accounts compromised. They want to stop hackers as much as individual users do.
Reporting it quickly can help WhatsApp take action against hackers exploiting flaws in their service’s security protections.
Report the Hack to Local Law Enforcement
In addition to reporting the unauthorized access to WhatsApp, you may want to file a report with your local law enforcement agency.
While notoriously difficult to fully investigate, reporting hacking crimes can help establish a paper trail in case your identity is stolen or accounts misused following a hack.
When filing a report, provide as many details as possible, including:
- Date and time you noticed unauthorized access
- What content, messages, or data was accessed
- Any information about the hacker’s location, username, etc if known
- Steps you’ve taken to deactivate the account and notify WhatsApp
The police report creates an official record that you were the victim of a hacking crime should the hacker go on to misuse your personal information or identity.
Change Any Reused Passwords
If you use the same password across multiple accounts, it’s important to change those passwords following a WhatsApp hack.
Hackers will take stolen login credentials and try them on other popular sites and apps in hopes of accessing more of your personal data.
To prevent this, take the time to change passwords on any important accounts where you reused the same password as WhatsApp, including:
- Email accounts
- Social media
- Online banking
- Ecommerce sites with stored payment information
- Cryptocurrency exchange accounts
Use long, complex, unique passwords for each account. Consider using a password manager app to generate and store secure passwords.
Enabling two-factor authentication on important accounts also helps protect them even if your password is compromised. Take security measures so one hacked account doesn’t lead to more accounts being breached.
Avoid Suspicious Links
Finally, when you re-secure and reactivate your WhatsApp account, be very cautious of suspicious links you receive going forward.
Hackers often gain access through phishing – sending malicious links by message that give them login or remote access when clicked. Avoid links:
- From unknown contacts
- With misspelled or odd looking URLs
- Promising free gifts, prizes, or other sketchy offers
- Requesting you “Verify your account” or “Reactivate your account”
Stick to messaging people you know and trust. Don’t click unfamiliar links or provide sensitive login details if asked.
WhatsApp will never message you asking for your password or account verification – this is always a scam. Be cautious to avoid falling victim to hacking attempts again.
Secure Your WhatsApp Account Going Forward
Here are key tips to keep your WhatsApp more secure after being hacked:
- Always enable Two-Step Verification for added security.
- Create a strong, unique password that would be difficult to guess.
- Never share your verification PIN with others.
- Review linked devices in WhatsApp and remove any you don’t recognize.
- Install updates promptly to patch security issues.
- Be wary of suspicious links and never give your password.
- Use phone antivirus software to check for spyware that could compromise accounts.
Following these tips will help get your account back under your control and prevent future unauthorized access.
Recovering From a WhatsApp Hack
Here is a summary of the steps to take if your WhatsApp account is hacked:
- Log out on all devices – This removes the hacker’s access immediately.
- Deactivate or delete account – Contact WhatsApp to temporarily or permanently disable the account.
- File report with WhatsApp – Notify WhatsApp of the unauthorized access.
- Notify law enforcement – File a hacking crime report with your local police.
- Change reused passwords – Update passwords on any accounts sharing the password used on WhatsApp.
- Avoid suspicious links – Don’t click unfamiliar or questionable links going forward.
Following these steps minimizes damage, notifies the relevant parties, and helps secure your account restored or recreated. Act quickly at the first sign of unauthorized access to protect your personal data.
Who to Contact for Help
Here are the best ways to get help dealing with a hacked WhatsApp account:
- WhatsApp Support – Report via app or support site to investigate unauthorized access.
- Local law enforcement – File a police report on the hacking crime.
- Friends/family – Let trusted contacts know your account was hacked in case of messages from the hacker.
- Legal counsel – Consult a lawyer if identity theft results from the hack.
WhatsApp and law enforcement should be your first stops to report the account compromise and improper access. Turn to trusted friends and legal experts if the hack leads to further identity misuse or damages.
WhatsApp Support Resources
WhatsApp provides these resources to help recover and restore hacked accounts:
Use these official WhatsApp pages to deactivate your account, file a report, and learn more about securing your account from unauthorized access.
Law Enforcement Contacts
To file a police report on the hacking, contact your local law enforcement agency. Some resources include:
- Emergency number (9-1-1 in the U.S.)
- Local police non-emergency number
- Nearest police station – file a report in person
- Federal Bureau of Investigation Cyber Division
Add the police report to your records and follow up if any identity theft results from the hack. The report starts a paper trail in case of future damages or misuse of your info.
Conclusion
If your WhatsApp account is compromised, take immediate steps to deactivate it, file reports, and notify the proper authorities. Avoid suspicious links going forward and enable security measures like two-factor authentication.
By promptly containing the hack and notifying WhatsApp and law enforcement, you can limit the damage and prevent further unauthorized access. Keep your account more secure in the future by using strong passwords and not clicking questionable links from unknown senders.
FAQ
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about dealing with a hacked WhatsApp account:
How do I know if my WhatsApp was hacked?
Signs of a hacked account include:
- Suspicious messages sent from your account
- Contacts telling you of messages they received you didn’t send
- Unfamiliar linked devices
- Profile changes you didn’t make
- Being logged out suddenly
Can I recover deleted WhatsApp messages?
Unfortunately no, WhatsApp messages are deleted from their servers after 30 days and are not recoverable after that point. Enable backups to preserve messages.
Should I use WhatsApp again after being hacked?
Yes, it’s generally safe to use WhatsApp again after securing your account. Just be more vigilant against phishing scams. Enable two-factor authentication for added security.
What’s the best WhatsApp security?
Use two-factor authentication, strong passwords, avoid suspicious links/messages, review linked devices, and install updates promptly. Caution is the best security.
Is there compensation if my WhatsApp is hacked?
No, WhatsApp does not currently offer any compensation for hacked user accounts. You need to take legal action against the hacker to recoup any losses.
Key Takeaways
To recap, here are key tips on what to do if your WhatsApp account is hacked:
- Log out on all devices immediately
- Contact WhatsApp to deactivate or delete account
- File a report directly with WhatsApp
- Notify local law enforcement
- Avoid clicking suspicious links in the future
- Change passwords on any accounts sharing WhatsApp password
- Turn on two-factor authentication when account is restored
- Be vigilant about messaging security going forward
Following these steps helps limit damages from unauthorized access and notifies the proper authorities to investigate and address the hack. Keep your account secure after restoring it to prevent repeat compromise.