What to Do If Your WhatsApp Gets Hacked

WhatsApp is one of the most widely used messaging applications globally, with over 2 billion users across more than 180 countries. For this reason, it has become a prime target for cybercriminals. Every year, thousands of users report account theft through techniques such as phishing (fraudulent messages pretending to be from legitimate services), identity impersonation, or tricks to obtain verification codes.

When this happens, acting quickly is essential to prevent attackers from using your account to scam family, friends, or work contacts.

If you see the message "your number has been registered on another device" or notice suspicious activity that isn't yours, the first step is to try recovering the account from your own phone:

• 1. Open WhatsApp and enter your phone number as if logging in for the first time.
• 2. Wait for the SMS (or automated call) with the verification code.
• 3. When you enter that code, the session on any other device closes automatically.

While recovering access, it's crucial to inform family, friends, and work groups through other channels: phone call, SMS, email, or other social networks.

Many attackers use the hacked account to:

• Request money using fake "emergency" excuses.
• Ask for verification codes from other services.
• Steal personal data by impersonating you.

Explain that any strange messages received in recent hours were not sent by you and that they should not respond or share any information.

Once you manage to get back into your WhatsApp, the next step is to shield your account:

Another key measure is reviewing which devices have active sessions on your WhatsApp:

1. From the app, go to Settings > Linked devices.
2. Check the list: if you see computers, browsers, or operating systems you don't recognize, select them.
3. Tap "Log out" on each one.

This cuts off any access through WhatsApp Web or the desktop app that the attacker may have set up. Take the opportunity to also close old sessions you no longer use.

Although WhatsApp doesn't use a traditional password system, the attack could be part of a broader compromise of your digital security.

If the cybercriminal had physical access to your phone or email, they might have also tried to access other services such as:

• Email services (Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo).
• Social networks (Instagram, Facebook, X/Twitter).
• Banking apps and mobile banking (especially important in countries like Argentina where banking apps are commonly linked to phone numbers).
• Online shopping platforms (MercadoLibre, Amazon, etc.).

Experts recommend changing passwords for your main accounts, activating two-factor authentication, and reviewing login records to detect suspicious access.

If, despite everything, you can't recover your account (for example, because the code doesn't arrive, the attacker activated a PIN you can't reset, or you no longer have access to your number), it's time to contact WhatsApp support directly:

In serious cases, WhatsApp can temporarily deactivate your account to prevent it from being used in scams while your identity is verified.

At the same time, save screenshots and evidence, in case you need to file a report with the police or a specialized cybercrime unit in your country.