How to Recover a Hacked WhatsApp Account: Step-by-Step Guide
· By immi
Having your WhatsApp account hacked can be stressful, especially when someone starts messaging your friends or family while pretending to be you. The good news is that you can often recover your account by verifying your phone number again.
If you think someone has taken control of your WhatsApp account, act quickly. Follow the steps below to regain access and protect your account from future attacks.
How to Know If Your WhatsApp Account Has Been Hacked
Before starting the recovery process, look for signs that someone else may be using your account.
Also read: Pakistan’s National CERT Warns of Rising WhatsApp Account Hijacking
You receive a notification that your phone number is being registered on another device.
WhatsApp logs you out unexpectedly.
Your contacts receive strange messages from your number.
Also read: WhatsApp Is Testing a Bottom Navigation Bar That Shrinks as You Scroll
You notice unfamiliar linked devices in your account.
Someone asks your friends or family for money while pretending to be you.
If you notice any of these signs, secure your account as soon as possible.
Step 1: Register Your Phone Number Again
The first thing to do is regain control of your WhatsApp account through the official app.
Open WhatsApp on your phone. If necessary, install the official version from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Enter the phone number associated with your hacked account.
Request the six-digit verification code by SMS or phone call, if available.
Enter the code in WhatsApp.
Once you successfully verify your number, the person using your account on another primary phone will generally be logged out.
Important: Never share your verification code with anyone. WhatsApp support will not ask you to send this code to a person in a chat.
Step 2: Enter Your Two-Step Verification PIN
If you enabled two-step verification previously, WhatsApp may ask you for your PIN after you verify your phone number.
If you remember it, enter the PIN to continue.
If you have forgotten it, tap Forgot PIN? and follow the recovery instructions. If you added a recovery email, you may be able to reset the PIN through that email.
If the hacker enabled two-step verification and you do not know the PIN, you may have to wait for the period specified by WhatsApp. Follow the instructions shown in the app rather than relying on unofficial recovery services.
Step 3: Check for Unknown Linked Devices
After regaining access, check whether anyone has connected another device to your account.
Open WhatsApp.
On Android, tap the three-dot menu. On iPhone, open Settings.
Select Linked devices.
Review the list of connected devices.
Tap any device you do not recognize and choose Log out.
This step is important because an unfamiliar linked device may otherwise continue accessing your account.
Step 4: Warn Your Friends and Family
Hackers sometimes use compromised WhatsApp accounts to request money, send suspicious links, or ask contacts for verification codes.
Let your contacts know that your account was compromised. If anyone received a suspicious message from you, ask them not to click its links, share sensitive information, or transfer money.
If someone has already sent money to a scammer, they should contact their bank or payment provider immediately.
Step 5: Enable Two-Step Verification
Once your account is secure, enable two-step verification to add another layer of protection.
Open WhatsApp and go to Settings.
Select Account.
Tap Two-step verification.
Choose Turn on.
Create a PIN and add a recovery email address that you control.
Keep your PIN private and make sure your recovery email is secure as well.
What If You Cannot Receive the WhatsApp Verification Code?
If you cannot receive the SMS code, first check that your SIM card is active and can receive ordinary text messages and calls.
Make sure you entered the correct country code and phone number. Wait for the countdown to finish before requesting another code, and use the call option if WhatsApp offers it.
If you no longer have access to your registered number, contact your mobile network provider to ask whether you can recover your number or obtain a replacement SIM after completing its identity checks.
Without access to the registered number, recovering the account may be more difficult.
What If the Hacker Changed Your WhatsApp PIN?
If someone enabled two-step verification without your permission, try registering your phone number again and follow the recovery options displayed by WhatsApp.
You may need to wait before you can access the account if you cannot provide the PIN. Do not pay anyone who promises to bypass WhatsApp security or recover your account instantly.
If you cannot complete the process, contact WhatsApp through its official support channel: https://www.whatsapp.com/contact/
Can You Recover Deleted WhatsApp Chats After a Hack?
Recovering your account does not automatically restore every previous message.
If a chat backup exists, you may be able to restore it using the same phone number and the relevant Google account or Apple account. Follow WhatsApp's restoration instructions when prompted.
If no suitable backup exists, deleted messages may not be recoverable. Avoid apps or websites that promise guaranteed access to deleted chats, as they may put your privacy at risk.
How to Prevent Your WhatsApp Account From Being Hacked Again
A few simple precautions can significantly improve your account security:
Never share your six-digit verification code.
Enable two-step verification and add a recovery email.
Check Linked devices regularly and remove unfamiliar devices.
Protect your phone with a strong screen lock.
Secure your email account and mobile network account.
Avoid suspicious links and unofficial WhatsApp applications.
Be cautious of messages asking for money or urgent assistance, even when they appear to come from someone you know.
Final Thoughts
Recovering a hacked WhatsApp account can be worrying, but acting quickly can help you regain control. Start by registering your phone number again, complete any required PIN verification, remove unfamiliar linked devices, and enable two-step verification.
If you cannot recover the account through the app, use WhatsApp's official support channel. Never share your verification code or pay an unknown person who claims they can recover your account.
Taking a few minutes to secure your account after recovery can help prevent the same problem from happening again.
