How to set up WhatsApp incognito mode?

How to set up WhatsApp incognito mode - briefly?

To enable WhatsApp's incognito mode, open the app and navigate to Settings > Account > Privacy. Here, you can toggle on options such as "Read Receipts" and "Last Seen" to enhance your privacy.

How to set up WhatsApp incognito mode - in detail?

To set up WhatsApp in an "incognito" mode, you'll want to ensure that your messages and activities are as private and secure as possible. While WhatsApp already offers end-to-end encryption for all messages, there are additional steps you can take to enhance your privacy. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do this:

  1. Enable Biometric Authentication:

    • Open WhatsApp and go to Settings.
    • Tap on Account, then Privacy.
    • Turn on Screen Lock. You'll be prompted to set up your biometric authentication (fingerprint or facial recognition). This ensures that no one can access your WhatsApp without your biometrics.
  2. Hide Preview of Messages:

    • In the Privacy settings, tap on Notifications.
    • Turn off Show Preview. This hides the content of messages in notifications, so others cannot see what you're discussing even if they pick up your phone.
  3. Disable Read Receipts:

    • Still within the Privacy settings, turn off Read Receipts. This prevents others from knowing when you’ve read their messages. Note that this setting works both ways, so you won’t see read receipts for your messages either.
  4. Restrict Profile Picture and Status Visibility:

    • Under Privacy settings, tap on Profile Photo and Status.
    • Select "My Contacts" to limit who can see your profile picture and status updates. Alternatively, you can choose "Nobody" if you want to be completely private.
  5. Block Unwanted Contacts:

    • Go to the Chats screen, tap on the name of the contact you wish to block.
    • Tap on the three dots (⋮) in the top right corner and select Block Contact. This prevents that person from seeing your online status or any changes to your profile picture.
  6. Use a Secure Browser for WhatsApp Web:

    • If you use WhatsApp Web, make sure to log out whenever you’re done. Also, consider using an incognito window in your browser for added security.
  7. Regularly Review and Update Privacy Settings:

    • WhatsApp occasionally updates its features and settings. Make it a habit to review and update your privacy settings regularly to ensure you're taking full advantage of the latest security options.

By following these steps, you can significantly enhance your privacy on WhatsApp, creating an "incognito" mode that helps protect your messages and activities from unwanted exposure.