If your WhatsApp account has been hacked, it’s crucial to take steps and act quickly to regain control and secure your information. Here are the detailed steps to restore your hacked WhatsApp account:
1. Log Out of All Devices
If you suspect that someone else is using your WhatsApp account, log out of all devices. You can do this by accessing WhatsApp Web on your computer and clicking on “Log out from all devices.”
2. Reinstall WhatsApp
Uninstall and then reinstall WhatsApp on your device. This ensures that you have the latest version of the app, which may include security updates.
3. Verify Your Phone Number
After reinstalling, open WhatsApp and enter your phone number. You will receive a verification code via SMS. Enter this code to verify your account. If you do not receive the code, select the option to receive a call.
4. Enable Two-Step Verification
To prevent future hacks, enable two-step verification. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a PIN in addition to the verification code.
– Steps:
1. Open WhatsApp.
Two- steps verification.
2. Go to Settings > Account > Two-step verification.
3. Tap Enable, then enter a six-digit PIN of your choice and confirm it.
4. Add an email address to recover your account if you forget your PIN.
5. Restore Your Backup
If you have a backup of your chats, restore it after verifying your phone number. WhatsApp will prompt you to restore your chat history from Google Drive (Android) or iCloud (iPhone).
– Steps:
1. After verifying your number, WhatsApp will ask if you want to restore your chat history from the backup.
2. Select Restore to retrieve your messages and media.
6. Notify Contacts
Inform your contacts that your account was hacked. This helps prevent them from falling victim to scams that might have been sent from your account.
7. Check for Unauthorized Access
Review your WhatsApp settings and check for any changes that the hacker might have made. This includes checking for unauthorized linked devices in WhatsApp Web/Desktop.
– Steps:
1. Open WhatsApp.
2. Go to Settings > Linked Devices.
Linked Devices
3. If you see devices that you don’t recognize, log them out.
8. Secure Your Email Account
If the hacker gained access to your WhatsApp via email, secure your email account. Change your password and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your email account.
9. Update Your Passwords
Change passwords for other accounts that might have been compromised due to the hack. Use strong, unique passwords for each account.
10. Monitor Your Account
Keep an eye on your WhatsApp account for any suspicious activity. Be cautious about any unexpected messages or changes to your account settings.
11. Contact WhatsApp Support (if necessary)
If you’re unable to regain access to your account or if the hacker has enabled two-step verification, contact WhatsApp support for assistance.
– Steps:
1. Open WhatsApp.
Help
2. Go to Settings > Help > Contact Us.
3. Describe your issue and request assistance.
12. Educate Yourself on Security Best Practices
Stay informed about the best practices for securing your accounts. Avoid sharing verification codes or sensitive information with others and be wary of phishing attempts.
By following these steps, you can regain control of your hacked WhatsApp account and take measures to secure it against future threats.
