Adults
Staying Safe on WhatsApp
Staying safe online
Setting privacy and safety controls
WhatsApp is a messaging app where you can chat with friends and family, join group chats, and create or follow channels. While it can be a convenient way to stay connected, it is important to know how to adjust your settings to protect your privacy, security and wellbeing.
How can using WhatsApp affect you?
WhatsApp is designed mainly private messaging. Anyone who has your phone number can contact you or add you to a group chat. As a result, you may receive messages that:
Are sent from impersonation accounts pretending to be someone you know
Contain harassing, abusive or threatening language
Ask for personal information, photos or verification codes
Are sent from unknown numbers that try to start a conversation with you
Because messages are private, it may feel harder to deal with situations like harassment or unwanted contact.
WhatsApp also allows users to follow or create channels (opens in new tab) to receive updates or share content with a wider audience. These channels are public, one-way broadcasts that appear in the Updates tab, separate from private chats.
If you follow a channel, you may be exposed to misleading or inappropriate content, or be directed to phishing websites through shared links.
If you create a channel, your updates may be viewed by a wide audience, including people you do not know.
If messages or channel content start to make you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, then it is a sign to adjust your settings to protect yourself.
How can you protect yourself on WhatsApp?
Review your settings to help you manage who can see your information and contact you.
You can:
Conduct a "Privacy Checkup" (opens in new tab) to strengthen the security of your account
Choose who can see your last seen and online status, profile photo, about information and links you share on your profile (opens in new tab)
Choose who can add you to group chats (opens in new tab)
Limit how others can share your messages, photos, and videos outside of WhatsApp (opens in new tab)
If you own a channel, avoid sharing personal data or anything you would not be comfortable sharing publicly
Leave group chats that make you feel uncomfortable or unsafe
Unfollow or report (opens in new tab) channels that are inappropriate
Silence unknown callers (opens in new tab) and block phone numbers (opens in new tab) you do not want to interact with
Report inappropriate conversations or behaviour (opens in new tab)
What else can you do when something does not feel right?
Sometimes, certain messages or interactions may cause discomfort and make you feel unsafe.
When that happens, remember:
You do not have to respond or explain yourself
Saving screenshots can help if you want to report harmful behaviour
Blocking or reporting is okay
Getting support early can prevent things from getting worse
Where can you learn more about WhatsApp’s safety tools?
Visit these resources to find out more about staying safe on WhatsApp:
WhatsApp Help Centre (opens in new tab): Find out more about WhatsApp’s features, managing your account and protecting your privacy
How to stay safe on WhatsApp (opens in new tab): Explore tools and features that can help you navigate WhatsApp safely
You can also explore other online safety resources on our website for more advice on staying safe online.