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What are WhatsApp’s new Strict Account Settings?
WhatsApp has introduced a new privacy and security option called Strict Account Settings, aimed at reducing exposure to scams and cyberattacks.
Once enabled, WhatsApp automatically:
Blocks media files and attachments from unknown senders
Silences calls from numbers not in your contacts
Disables link previews to reduce the risk of malicious links
Blocks a high volume of messages from unknown accounts
Two-step verification is enabled by default, along with security notifications that alert you if the encryption code of someone you are chatting with changes.
What is Strict Account Settings?
Strict Account Settings is a lockdown-style security feature designed to limit how strangers can interact with your WhatsApp account. When enabled, it automatically applies a bundle of restrictive privacy controls, instead of requiring users to toggle each setting individually.
WhatsApp says it is particularly useful for journalists, activists, public figures, and anyone who may be targeted online, though it is available to all users.
What changes when you turn it on?
When Strict Account Settings is enabled:
Media files and attachments from unknown senders are blocked automatically
Calls from numbers not in your contacts are silenced
Link previews are disabled to reduce exposure to malicious links
High volumes of messages from unknown accounts are blocked
Two-step verification is turned on by default
Security notifications are enabled
On the privacy side:
Your last seen status, online presence, profile photo, About section, and profile links are visible only to your contacts
Group invites are restricted, meaning only your contacts or specific people you approve can add you to WhatsApp groups
Does this affect encryption?
WhatsApp has clarified that Strict Account Settings does not change end-to-end encryption. Messages still cannot be read by WhatsApp or Meta. The feature simply adds another layer of defence by limiting contact from unknown or potentially harmful sources.
Who should use it?
Strict Account Settings is likely to appeal most to users who are frequent targets of:
Spam
Harassment
Phishing attempts
This includes journalists, creators, business owners, and anyone whose phone number is widely shared online. For everyday users, it offers an easy way to lock down privacy without manually adjusting multiple settings.
How to enable Strict Account Settings
Users can enable the feature by following these steps:
Open WhatsApp
Go to Settings
Tap Privacy
Select Advanced
Turn on Strict Account Settings
⚠️ Note: This option can only be changed from your primary device, not from WhatsApp Web or desktop apps.
Rollout information
The feature is rolling out gradually, so it may not be visible to all users immediately.
First Published: January 28, 2026 | 09:05 AM
Source: MC Tech Desk, Moneycontrol
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