Two-factor authentication, checking connected devices, privacy settings… This step-by-step guide helps you strengthen the security of your WhatsApp in less than 10 minutes, even without technical skills.
WhatsApp is the most widely used messaging app in Benin. It is also one of the most targeted by hackers, malicious ex-partners and scammers. Five simple steps, done once and for all, are enough to considerably strengthen your protection.
Step 1 — Turn on two-step verification
Two-factor authentication is the most effective security measure against account hacking. It adds a 6-digit PIN that only you know. Even if someone gets hold of your SIM number, they won’t be able to access your account without this code.
How to turn it on: open WhatsApp, tap the three dots at the top right, then Settings. Go to Account, then Two-step verification. Tap Turn on and create a 6-digit PIN. Add a recovery email address so you can reset the PIN if you forget it.
Tip: choose a code that is not your date of birth or your phone number. Write it down somewhere safe, away from your phone.
Step 2 — Check the devices connected to your account
WhatsApp lets you connect up to 4 additional devices to your account. If someone has had access to your phone, they may have connected their own device without your knowledge.
How to check: go to Settings, then Linked devices. You will see the list of all connected devices with the date of their last activity. If you see an unknown device, tap it and choose Log out.
“My ex had connected his phone to my WhatsApp without my knowledge. I saw the unknown device thanks to the Digital Safe Space tutorial. I was able to log it out immediately.” — A., 28, Cotonou (anonymised testimonial)
Step 3 — Set up your profile privacy
By default, WhatsApp shows your profile picture, your last seen time and your status to everyone who has your number, including strangers.
How to set it up: in Settings → Account → Privacy, set Last seen and Online to My contacts or Nobody. Do the same for your Profile photo and the About section. For Groups, choose My contacts to control who can add you to groups.
Step 4 — Turn on biometric lock
If someone picks up your phone, they can read all your messages if WhatsApp is not locked.
How to turn it on: go to Settings → Account → Privacy → Fingerprint lock. Turn on the option and choose Immediately as the delay before automatic locking.
Step 5 — Never share your verification code
WhatsApp account hacking often goes through an SMS containing a 6-digit verification code. A scammer pretends to be WhatsApp, your mobile operator or a relative, and asks you to give them this code. If you do, they immediately take control of your account.
Absolute rule: never share your WhatsApp verification code with anyone. WhatsApp will never ask you for this code by phone or by message.
What to do if your account has already been hacked?
- Log back in with your number on a trusted device to take back control.
- Warn your contacts that your account has been hacked, so they ignore messages that don’t come from you.
- Report the incident to the CNIN (plaintes@cnin.bj) if private information has been disclosed.
Summary of the 5 steps: turn on two-step verification · check and log out unknown devices · set up profile privacy · turn on biometric lock · never share your verification code.