WhatsApp: how to know if someone opened your account on another device and what to do to regain control

Although they do not always indicate a hackingthese behaviors justify reviewing a security function that many users are unaware of.

WhatsApp allows you to use the same account on multiple devices at the same time. This is practical for those who work from a computer, use a tablet or have a second cell phone, but it can also become a risk when someone manages to link a computer without authorization.

The application of Meta It has a tool that allows you to check the connected devices and close your sessions remotely. The procedure takes just a few seconds and can be done directly from the main phone, without installing third-party applications.

The quickest way to check if someone else can access your conversations is within the application itself. WhatsApp has a section called “Linked devices”showing the sessions associated with the account.

From there it is possible to review the computersbrowsers, tablets and other phones that were connected through the official functions of the service.

In Androidyou must follow this procedure: open the app on the main phone, touch the three dots located in the upper right, select “Linked devices” and review the devices that appear in the list. If an unknown one appears, select it and press immediately “Log out”.

In iPhonethe steps are similar: access WhatsApp, enter Configuration o Settingsdepending on the version of the application, select “Linked devices” and review the recorded sessions. Lastly, tap any suspicious device and select “Log out”.

WhatsApp recommends reviewing this section carefully. periodic. It also allows you to disconnect a device directly from the application installed on that computer.

There is a important limitation– The list identifies linked sessions, but is not a complete record of all people who may have accessed the account. Nor does it necessarily reveal the physical location of who used each device.

Finding a computer we don’t remember connecting to doesn’t automatically mean someone stole the account. It may be a open session previously on a notebook, work computer, or browser that still retains access.

WhatsApp allowed Link up to four additional devices to the main phone, without the need for it to remain constantly connected to the Internet.

To use the feature, you typically scan a QR code or the official pairing process is completed using a phone number.

Once connected, the device can access the functions of messaging available for that modality. Therefore, an unknown session deserves attention.

Meta also explains that paired devices automatically disconnect after 30 days of inactivity. However, it is not advisable to wait for this period to expire when there is suspicion of unauthorized access.

One of the most common situations occurs when someone uses WhatsApp Web on a shared computer and forget to log out. If someone else has access to that computer and the session remains open, they could check the available conversations.

To avoid this it is not necessary to return physically to the computer.

From the main phone You have to enter “Linked devices”, select the corresponding session and touch Sign out.

The app will disconnect that device from the account. If someone tries to use WhatsApp from there again, they will have to do another authorized binding.

The same procedure works for computers with WhatsApp Desktop and other additional equipment.

However, closing a session prevents future access through that link, but does not necessarily eliminate screenshotsdownloaded files, or other information that someone may have previously retained.

Not all suspicious accesses are accompanied by an obvious warning. Sometimes the user can discover strange behaviors before reviewing open sessions.

Among the signs that justify a proofAccording to Meta recommendations, the account owner should verify if they recognize all the messages sent; if there are conversations that appear as read without an apparent explanation; if there was sudden changes in the profile photo or account information; or if notices of device pairing that were not requested.

You also have to be attentive in case they reach your cell phone. registration codes received by SMS or calls without having tried to log in. Above all, we must pay attention to the sudden loss of account access.

These situations do not, by themselves, prove that a hack has occurred. Some can be explained by errorsactions carried out from other devices or failed access attempts.

For example, receiving a registration code That it was not requested may indicate that someone entered the phone number into WhatsApp, but it does not prove that they managed to complete the process.

The most concrete signal within the multi-device function is to find a linked session that the user does not recognize.

If the user has completely lost access to WhatsApp, closing a linked session is no longer enough. In this scenario, Meta recommends regaining control by record of the telephone number.

The official procedure is to open WhatsApp, log in again with the corresponding number and enter the code. six digits received by SMS or call.

When that registration is successfully completed, WhatsApp automatically disconnects the devices who were using the previous account.

If a request appears two-step verification With a PIN that the owner does not know, it could happen that someone has previously configured it. In certain cases it will be necessary to wait seven days to complete the recovery, although the successful entry of the SMS code already disconnects those who were using the account.

Once access has been recovered, it is advisable to review the linked devices again and activate the protections available.

WhatsApp also recommends warning family and contacts when it is suspected that another person used the account to send messages. This helps prevent them from responding to requests for money, code requests, or scam attempts sent through a known identity.

One of the most important measures to prevent another person from taking over an account is to incorporate a additional protection to the code sent by SMS.

WhatsApp offers two-step verification mechanisms that allow you to add a security credential to the registration process.

The configuration is within the settings of the account. Depending on the version of WhatsApp, the user can use a PIN or password for additional protection.

The company is progressively updating this system, so the available options They may vary between users.

It is also advisable to associate an address email recovery when the application offers that possibility.

This measure reduces the risk of a third party registering the account using a code obtained through fraudulentalthough it does not replace the need to protect the phone and avoid deception.

You should never share registration codespasswords or PINs with third parties, even when the request appears to come from a family member, acquaintance or a supposed technical support representative.

Account protection does not depend exclusively on a password. It is also related to the security of cell phones and the precautions taken when using shared computers.

A recommended measure is to keep the notifications from WhatsApp. The company can warn when a new device is paired and allow the user to review connections it doesn’t recognize.

It is also convenient to use the biometric lock (fingerprint or face) of the application when it is available, keep the operating system updated and avoid unofficial WhatsApp applications.

Another important point is to distrust QR codes sent by strangers or presented using misleading excuses. One of them can be part of a legitimate linking process, but can also be used to get a person to involuntarily authorize access from another computer.

If you use WhatsApp Web on a public or shared computer, it is recommended log out upon finishing.

Review linked devices less than a minute and it is one of the easiest ways to check if the WhatsApp account has open sessions that should be closed. Although it does not guarantee detecting any form of espionage or improper access, it allows identifying and disconnect equipment strangers before they continue using the account.