My WhatsApp account was hacked, how to recover it?

My WhatsApp account was hacked, how to recover it - briefly?

If your WhatsApp account has been hacked, immediately report the issue to WhatsApp through their in-app support feature. They will guide you through the process of verifying your identity and recovering your account.

My WhatsApp account was hacked, how to recover it - in detail?

If your WhatsApp account has been compromised, swift action is crucial to regain control and secure your data. Here’s a detailed guide on how to recover your hacked WhatsApp account:

Immediate Actions

1. Change Your Password: The first step should be changing the password of your Google account if you use it for WhatsApp backups. This can prevent further unauthorized access.
2. Log Out from All Devices: If possible, log out of your WhatsApp account on all devices to disrupt any ongoing sessions that the hacker might be using.

Verify Your Phone Number

1. Open WhatsApp on your phone and follow these steps:
   • Go to Settings > Account.
   • Tap on Two-step verification if you have it enabled, and then tap on Disable.
2. Unlink Your Number:
   • On the same page, tap Delete My Account.
   • Enter your phone number in the format +12345678901, and then tap DELETE MY ACCOUNT.

Reinstall WhatsApp

1. Delete and Reinstall WhatsApp from your device.
2. Open WhatsApp after reinstallation and follow the setup prompts to enter your phone number.
3. Verify Your Number: Enter the six-digit code sent via SMS to verify your phone number.

Restore Backups

1. Restore from Backup: If you have a backup, WhatsApp will automatically detect it and ask if you want to restore your chats. Tap RESTORE to proceed.
2. Wait for Completion: The restoration process may take some time depending on the size of your chat history.

Secure Your Account

1. Enable Two-Step Verification: After restoring your account, enable two-step verification for an extra layer of security:
   • Go to Settings > Account.
   • Tap on Two-step verification and follow the prompts to set it up.
2. Set a Strong Password: Ensure you have a strong password for your Google account if you use it for backups.
3. Monitor Unusual Activity: Keep an eye out for any unusual activity or messages that might indicate further compromise.

Contact Support

1. Report the Incident: If you suspect that your account has been compromised due to a security breach, report it to WhatsApp support:
   • Go to Settings > Help.
   • Tap on Contact Us.
2. Provide Details: Clearly describe what happened and when, including any suspicious activity or messages you noticed.

Inform Your Contacts

1. Notify Your Contacts: Let your contacts know that your account was compromised and to be cautious of any suspicious messages they might receive from your number.
2. Avoid Sharing Personal Information: Remind them not to share personal information or click on unknown links.

By following these steps, you can effectively recover your hacked WhatsApp account and take measures to prevent future incidents. Stay vigilant and ensure that your account remains secure with strong passwords and two-step verification enabled.