WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. One of WhatsApp’s key features is the ability to link your account to multiple devices so you can access your chats from your phone, computer, tablet, etc. However, having your account linked across multiple devices can also pose security risks if any of those devices become compromised. So how do you know if unknown devices are linked to your WhatsApp account? Here are some tips to check for and identify linked devices on WhatsApp.
Check Linked Devices Settings
The easiest way to view currently linked devices on your WhatsApp account is to check the Linked Devices setting. To find this:
- Open WhatsApp on your phone
- Go to Settings > Linked Devices
- This will show you a list of all devices that are currently linked and active with your account
Carefully look at this list and make sure you recognize all the devices shown here. Devices you don’t recognize could indicate your account has been compromised.
Look for the Notification Icon
Whenever a new device links to your WhatsApp account, you will get a notification for it. So if an unknown device has recently been linked without your knowledge, you may see this notification icon.
Specifically look for a message that says “Your WhatsApp account was used on a new device on [date] at [time]”. The message will also include details on the device type (Android, iPhone), operating system, and general location.
If you see this notification for a device you don’t own, your account may be compromised. Take action immediately to unlink the device and reset your WhatsApp authentication.
Monitor the Devices Section in Settings
Even if you don’t currently see an unknown device linked, it’s a good idea to periodically check the Linked Devices section under WhatsApp Settings. Make this part of your routine security protocol.
Scammers and hackers can unlink devices after compromising an account to cover their tracks. So if you don’t regularly monitor linked devices, you may miss the signs of unauthorized access.
Get in the habit of checking devices every week or so. Review the list carefully and look out for any devices you don’t recognize. Also note the last time each device was active – if you see a device you own with no recent activity, that can also be a red flag.
Be Alert to Changes in Key Settings
In some cases, scammers who gain access to a WhatsApp account will make key changes to settings as part of their efforts to take control or spy. Here are some settings changes to watch out for:
- Profile name/photo – If these are suddenly changed or deleted
- Two-step verification – If this is turned off
- Password – If this is changed
- Groups – If you get added to strange groups or removed from important groups
Major unexplained changes to any of these account details could indicate your WhatsApp is compromised even if you don’t see unknown linked devices.
Watch for Unusual Activity in Your Chats
Finally, keep an eye on your actual WhatsApp chats for any suspicious activity. Signs could include:
- Messages you didn’t send appearing in chats
- Disappearing/deleted messages
- New contacts or groups you don’t recognize
- Chats opened or viewed when your device was locked
Any of these could mean a hacker has access to your chats and is tampering with them.
What to Do If You Find an Unknown Linked Device
If you discover an unknown or unrecognized device linked to your WhatsApp account through any of the methods above, take action right away:
- Open WhatsApp and go to Linked Devices in Settings
- Tap the unknown device and select ‘Unlink’
- Also unlink any other suspicious or unrecognized devices
- Force logout of WhatsApp on all your own trusted devices
- Change your WhatsApp password and enable two-step verification if not already on
- Carefully review your chat history and settings to check for other signs of unauthorized access or tampering
Taking these steps will remove the hacker’s access and re-secure your account. If you continue seeing unknown devices linked even after unlinking, your phone may be compromised. A factory reset may be required to fully remove malicious apps.
Precautions to Prevent Unknown Linked Devices
To help prevent unknown devices linking to your account in the first place:
- Set up two-step verification for stronger account security
- Create a strong password and change it periodically
- Be wary of shady third party WhatsApp mods that may compromise security
- Don’t click suspicious links – this could install malware used to steal your WhatsApp info
- Limit which devices you link for WhatsApp Web/Desktop access
- Caution anyone you allow to link devices to your account
- Regularly review linked devices and overall account activity
Following good security practices like enabling two-factor authentication, using strong passwords, avoiding third-party mods, and limiting linked devices can help prevent unauthorized access.
But even with precautions, it’s important to periodically check your linked devices and account settings to detect any signs of unknown access. Act quickly if you discover any unrecognized or suspicious device linked to your account to prevent spying or theft. With vigilance, you can help keep your WhatsApp account and chats secure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many devices can link to one WhatsApp account?
Currently, WhatsApp allows up to 4 devices to link to one account at the same time. This includes your phone plus up to 3 additional devices like computers or tablets. You can switch which devices are linked as needed, but only 4 can be active at once.
Does WhatsApp notify old devices when you link a new one?
Yes, when you link a new device to your WhatsApp account, notifications are automatically sent to any existing linked devices. This serves as a warning in case the new device is unknown or unauthorized.
Can someone read my WhatsApp messages from a linked device?
Yes, any device linked to your WhatsApp account will have full access to your chat history and new messages. This allows you to seamlessly switch between devices. But it also means that if an unknown device links, it can potentially view all your chats.
If I unlink a device, will it get logged out automatically?
No, unlinking a device simply revokes its access to your account. To ensure it’s actually logged out, you need to manually log out of WhatsApp on that specific device after unlinking it.
How can I tell if someone is using WhatsApp on my account from another device?
Some signs include seeing messages you didn’t send, your chat statuses showing as Viewed when your phone was locked, new contacts/groups added, or your profile/settings changing when you didn’t make the changes.
Key Takeaways
- Check the Linked Devices setting in WhatsApp to view currently linked devices
- Watch for login notifications about new devices linking to your account
- Monitor your settings and chats for unusual changes that could indicate unauthorized access
- Unlinking unknown devices immediately and change your password to re-secure your account
- Use two-factor authentication and strong passwords to enhance WhatsApp security
Knowing how to identify unknown linked devices can help you detect and prevent WhatsApp account hacks or unauthorized access. Be proactive about checking linked devices regularly and taking action when needed. With proper vigilance, you can help keep your WhatsApp messages and data safe.
Conclusion
Linked devices on WhatsApp provide convenient multi-device access. But they also create potential security risks if unknown devices secretly link to your account. Be proactive about regularly checking your WhatsApp Linked Devices settings, login notifications, account activity, and chat history. Watch for any unrecognized or suspicious devices, settings changes, or chat tampering. If detected, unlink the device immediately, change your password, and take other steps to re-secure your account. Enabling two-factor authentication can also add an extra layer of protection. Stay vigilant in monitoring linked devices to help keep your WhatsApp account and conversations private.