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Is WhatsApp safe to use?

Safe

Yes, for most people. Messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted by default, but Meta still sees who you talk to and when.

Checked October 2026

Quick facts

Owned by
Meta Platforms
Based in
Menlo Park, USA
Encryption
End-to-end by default for chats, calls and media (Signal Protocol). Backups only if you switch it on.
Data it collects
Phone number, contacts (if allowed), usage data, IP address and device details. Some of this is shared with other Meta companies.
Minimum age
13+ in most countries

What keeps you safe

  • Nobody, including Meta, can read your messages or listen to calls in transit.
  • Two-step verification PIN and passkeys protect your account.
  • Disappearing messages and view-once media are built in.
  • A US court ordered spyware maker NSO Group to stop targeting WhatsApp in October 2025.

Risks to know about

  • Metadata (who, when, how often) is collected and can be handed to authorities.
  • Spyware has targeted WhatsApp users: NSO's Pegasus in 2019 and Paragon's Graphite in early 2025.
  • Cloud backups are not encrypted unless you turn on encrypted backup.
  • Anyone with your number can message you, which scammers rely on.

Scams to watch for on WhatsApp

  • "Hi Mum, I lost my phone" messages from a new number asking for money.
  • Someone asks you to forward a 6-digit code: that code hands them your account.
  • Job and "like videos for money" task scams that end with a deposit request.
  • Investment and crypto groups you were added to without asking.

Is WhatsApp legit?

WhatsApp is a legitimate app from Meta with more than two billion users. Only download it from the App Store, Google Play or whatsapp.com. Modified versions such as "GB WhatsApp" are not legit and often carry malware.

Is it safe for kids?

WhatsApp has no parental controls and no content filter. Group invites from strangers are the main risk; set Groups to "My contacts" in Privacy settings.

How to use WhatsApp safely

  1. Turn on two-step verification (Settings → Account).

  2. Never share the 6-digit code WhatsApp texts you.

  3. Turn on end-to-end encrypted backup.

  4. Set Groups and Profile photo to My contacts.

  5. Turn on Silence unknown callers.

Where WhatsApp is restricted

Does a VPN make WhatsApp safer?

Partly. A VPN hides your IP address and protects you on public Wi-Fi. It can't stop WhatsApp 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

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

NordVPN

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

For strict networks: NordWhisper or obfuscated servers.

Try NordVPN

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 WhatsApp safe to use?

Yes, for most people. Messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted by default, but Meta still sees who you talk to and when.

Is WhatsApp legit?

WhatsApp is a legitimate app from Meta with more than two billion users. Only download it from the App Store, Google Play or whatsapp.com. Modified versions such as "GB WhatsApp" are not legit and often carry malware.

Is WhatsApp encrypted?

End-to-end by default for chats, calls and media (Signal Protocol). Backups only if you switch it on.

What data does WhatsApp collect?

Phone number, contacts (if allowed), usage data, IP address and device details. Some of this is shared with other Meta companies.

Is WhatsApp safe for kids?

WhatsApp has no parental controls and no content filter. Group invites from strangers are the main risk; set Groups to "My contacts" in Privacy settings.

Does a VPN make WhatsApp 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 WhatsApp. It does not stop WhatsApp itself from collecting data, and it does not protect you from scams inside the app.

Sources