If a WhatsApp account falls into someone else’s hands or a user loses access to it, there is no need to panic. The account can be recovered through a few simple steps. However, the most important security measure is to never share the registration code with anyone, including friends or family members.
To recover the account, open WhatsApp, tap Log back in, and select Continue. If prompted to enter a phone number, provide the complete number in international format, then tap Next followed by OK.
A six-digit verification code will then be sent via SMS or provided through a phone call.
Once the code is entered, all other devices linked to the WhatsApp account will automatically be logged out. In some cases, WhatsApp may also ask for the Two-Step Verification PIN. If the PIN is unknown and was activated by another person, the user may have to wait seven days before trying again. However, entering the six-digit SMS verification code will log the other person out of the account.
Simply changing the password does not remove another person’s access to the account. In such cases, the appropriate way to remove the unauthorized user is to re-register the account using the six-digit verification code received on the user’s phone number.
If there is a suspicion that someone else is using the account, friends and family members should be informed immediately, as the unauthorized person may use the user’s identity in chats and groups. WhatsApp also notifies users when an attempt is made to register an account using their phone number.
After recovering the account, users are advised to enable security features and review their Linked Devices. However, users should avoid reporting the account as compromised before attempting to recover it, as doing so in certain circumstances could result in the account being restricted and may lead to the loss of data or access.
WhatsApp does not block or unblock contacts on a user’s behalf. Users can, however, block or report individuals or content themselves. Since WhatsApp chats are end-to-end encrypted and messages are stored on the device, a person who re-registers the account on a new phone cannot automatically access previous conversations.
A WhatsApp account can only be registered to one phone number at a time, and access to the SIM associated with that number is required to recover the account. In some cases, WhatsApp may automatically verify the phone number instead of using an SMS or phone call.
If a chat backup is available on a Google Account or iCloud, conversations can be restored. However, WhatsApp does not provide information about who accessed the account, when it was accessed, or from where.
Meanwhile, users who have switched to a new SIM but are still using WhatsApp with their old number should use the Change Number feature to transfer their account information to the new number. Failing to do so could result in the permanent loss of access to the account in the future.
