How to recover a hacked WhatsApp account on Android smartphones

Recovering a hacked WhatsApp account can be a distressing experience, especially when you rely on the app for communication. With the rise in cyber threats, knowing how to regain control of your WhatsApp account on Android is crucial. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to secure your account and restore it if it has been compromised.

Identifying the signs of a hacked account

The first indication that your WhatsApp account might be hacked is unusual activity. This can include receiving messages from unknown contacts, your contacts reporting that they received strange messages from your account, or you are noticing changes to your account settings without your knowledge.

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Additionally, if you are suddenly logged out of WhatsApp and cannot log back in, it is a strong sign that someone else may have taken control of your account.

Immediate steps to secure your account

If you suspect that your WhatsApp account has been hacked, the first step is to log out of all devices by going to your account settings and selecting “Log out from all devices.” This will disconnect any active sessions that may be controlled by the hacker. Next, uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp on your Android smartphones. During the reinstallation process, you will be asked to verify your phone number. Enter the six-digit code sent via SMS to regain access to your account.

Enabling two-step verification

Once you have regained access to your WhatsApp account, enabling two-step verification is essential to add an extra layer of security. This feature requires you to enter a PIN when registering your phone number with WhatsApp again, which prevents hackers from taking control of your account without knowing the PIN. To enable two-step verification, go to Settings > Account > Two-step verification and follow the prompts to set up a secure PIN.

Contacting WhatsApp support

In cases where you are unable to recover your account using the methods mentioned above, contacting WhatsApp support directly is advisable. You can do this by emailing support@whatsapp.com with a detailed description of your situation. Be sure to include your phone number in the international format (e.g., +91 1234 567890) and explain the issue clearly. WhatsApp support may take some time to respond, but they can help you regain access to your account if the automated processes do not work.

Restoring your chat history

Once you have regained access to your account, restoring your chat history is the final step. If you have a Google Drive backup enabled, you can easily restore your chats by selecting the “Restore” option during the reinstallation process. It’s important to back up your chats regularly to avoid losing important messages in the event of a hack.

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Recovering a hacked WhatsApp account on Android requires quick action and an understanding of the security features available within the app. By following the steps outlined above, you can regain control of your account and secure it against future threats. Remember to enable two-step verification and regularly back up your data to ensure your WhatsApp experience remains safe and secure.