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Is Viber safe to use?

Safe with care

Reasonably safe: chats and calls are end-to-end encrypted by default, but large public communities attract scams.

Checked October 2026

Quick facts

Owned by
Rakuten Viber (Rakuten Group)
Based in
Luxembourg (parent in Tokyo, Japan)
Encryption
End-to-end by default for one-to-one and group chats and calls.
Data it collects
Phone number, contacts, usage data and device information.
Minimum age
13+ (16 in some EU countries)

What keeps you safe

  • Default end-to-end encryption.
  • Hidden chats protected by a PIN.
  • Disappearing messages.

Risks to know about

  • Public communities and bots are used to spread scams.
  • Rakuten's ad network uses some usage data.

Scams to watch for on Viber

  • Investment communities promising fast profits.
  • Fake delivery or bank messages with links.

Is Viber legit?

Viber is a legitimate messenger with hundreds of millions of users.

Is it safe for kids?

Viber has limited parental controls; restrict who can add you to groups.

How to use Viber safely

  1. Set who can add you to groups.

  2. Use hidden chats for sensitive conversations.

  3. Verify contacts' identity before sending money.

Where Viber is restricted

Does a VPN make Viber safer?

Partly. A VPN hides your IP address and protects you on public Wi-Fi. It can't stop Viber collecting data or scammers messaging you.

Picked for privacy and getting messages through.

Proton VPN

Swiss-based with open-source apps and a free tier, plus a Stealth protocol for restrictive networks.

For strict networks: the Stealth protocol.

Try Proton VPN

Private Internet Access

Open-source apps, unlimited devices and servers in every US state, at a low price.

For strict networks: the Shadowsocks proxy option.

Try Private Internet Access

NordVPN

Largest network of the six, with the NordWhisper protocol for networks that inspect traffic.

For strict networks: NordWhisper or obfuscated servers.

Try NordVPN
Not sure about these three? See 3 more VPNs ExpressVPN, Surfshark and CyberGhost

ExpressVPN

Obfuscation is switched on automatically on every server, so there is no special mode to find.

For strict networks: automatic obfuscation (protocol set to Automatic).

Try ExpressVPN

Surfshark

Unlimited devices on one plan, with NoBorders mode that switches on in restrictive regions.

For strict networks: NoBorders mode.

Try Surfshark

CyberGhost

Servers labelled for specific streaming services and a 45-day refund window on longer plans.

For strict networks: a nearby server (CyberGhost has no stealth mode).

Try CyberGhost

We earn a commission if you buy a VPN through our links. It never changes what we report as blocked. How we pick and how we make money

Questions people ask

Is Viber safe to use?

Reasonably safe: chats and calls are end-to-end encrypted by default, but large public communities attract scams.

Is Viber legit?

Viber is a legitimate messenger with hundreds of millions of users.

Is Viber encrypted?

End-to-end by default for one-to-one and group chats and calls.

What data does Viber collect?

Phone number, contacts, usage data and device information.

Is Viber safe for kids?

Viber has limited parental controls; restrict who can add you to groups.

Does a VPN make Viber safer?

Partly. A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts traffic on public Wi-Fi, so your network and ISP can't see what you do on Viber. It does not stop Viber itself from collecting data, and it does not protect you from scams inside the app.

Sources