📌 What Are Strict Account Settings?

WhatsApp’s Strict Account Settings is a new one‑tap privacy and security mode that automatically applies the most restrictive protections to your account. It’s designed to reduce your exposure to spam, phishing, malware, and sophisticated attacks — especially useful for high‑risk users like journalists, activists, public figures, or anyone who wants extra protection.

Once enabled, this mode locks key privacy options to the most secure settings and limits interactions from unknown or untrusted contacts.

🔐 Key Protections Enabled

When Strict Account Settings is turned on, whatsapp will:

🔒 Hide Personal Info from Unknown Contacts

· Your profile photo, last seen, status, about info, and links become visible only to saved contacts or a trusted list.

📵 Block Unknown Messages & Media

· Media, attachments, and files from unknown numbers are blocked or not downloaded automatically, reducing risk from harmful content.

📞 Silence Unknown Calls

· Calls from unsaved or unknown numbers are muted, helping protect against spam or scam calls.

🔗 Disable Link Previews

· Link previews are turned off, making suspicious URLs less tempting and safer to interact with.

🚫 Restrict Group Adds

· Only known contacts or approved users can add you to groups, preventing spam group invites.

🔐 Two‑Step Verification Auto‑Enabled

· whatsapp automatically turns on two‑step verification for added login security.

⚠️ Security Notifications Activated

· You’ll receive alerts if a contact’s security code changes, which can indicate changes in their device or potential tampering.

🧠 Who Should Use It?

· 📍 High‑risk users (e.g., journalists, human rights defenders, public figures)

· 🛡️ Anyone worried about scams, spyware, or targeted cyberattacks

· 💬 Users who want maximum privacy, even at the cost of some convenience

Standard users with typical messaging needs probably won’t feel a need for this mode — especially if most interactions are with known contacts.

📲 Step‑by‑Step: How to Enable Strict Account Settings

Follow these simple steps (Android or iOS):

1. Update WhatsApp
Make sure you’re running the latest version of the whatsapp app from your device’s app store.

2. Open Settings
Tap on ☰ (Menu) or ⚙️ (Settings) within WhatsApp.

3. Go to Privacy
Navigate to Settings → Privacy.

4. Scroll to Advanced
Scroll down and tap Advanced.

5. Select Strict Account Settings
Tap Strict Account Settings.

6. Agree to Terms
Read the prompt and agree to enable this mode.

7. Set a PIN (if requested)
You might be asked to set a 6‑digit PIN for added security — follow the on‑screen steps.

⚠️ Notes & Limitations

· ⚙️ This feature is rolling out gradually — you might not see it immediately on all accounts.

· 📱 You can only enable it on your primary device; it won’t appear on whatsapp Web.

· 🧾 Some normal interactions (like receiving unknown media or group adds) will be restricted — this is intentional for enhanced security.

🔍 Final Take

WhatsApp’s Strict Account Settings is essentially a lockdown mode for your whatsapp account, offering stronger protections against spam, phishing, unknown files, and advanced cyber threats — with just a few taps. It’s especially recommended for users facing elevated security risks, though anyone can activate it if they want extra peace of mind.

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.