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New Delhi: With over three billion users worldwide using WhatsApp for personal and professional communication, scammers frequently target people through phishing messages, suspicious links, and fake APKs. However, you can make your account much more secure with a simple change in your settings. WhatsApp’s opt-in feature called “Strict Account Setting” allows users to activate enhanced privacy and security controls.
🔒 Pro Tip: This feature is designed to protect users from scammers, unauthorized account access, and unwanted communication. By enabling this setting, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to online fraud.
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What Changes When You Enable Strict Account Setting?
Once you turn on Strict Account Setting, the following security measures are automatically activated:
| Feature | What It Does |
|---|---|
| 🔐 Two-Step Verification | Adds an extra layer of security to your account |
| ⚠️ Security Notifications | Alerts you when changing phone number, reinstalling WhatsApp, or if a scammer tries to breach your account |
| 🚫 Unknown Attachments Block | Automatically blocks attachments and media from unknown persons |
| 🔇 Unknown Calls Silenced | Silences calls from numbers not in your contacts |
| 🕵️ IP Address Hidden | Your IP address remains hidden during calls |
| 👤 Profile Privacy | Profile photo and personal information stay private |
| 👥 Group Control | Only existing contacts can add you to group chats |
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How to Enable Strict Account Setting
Follow these simple steps to activate the feature on your primary device:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open WhatsApp and go to Settings |
| 2 | Tap on Privacy section |
| 3 | Scroll down to find Advanced Options |
| 4 | Tap on Advanced and Turn ON the toggle |
| 5 | ✅ Strict Account Setting is now activated |
⚡ Note: Once enabled, regular messaging and calling features will still work normally, but with enhanced security measures that block potential threats from unknown contacts.
Key Benefits at a Glance
- ✅ Blocks spam & phishing messages automatically
- ✅ Silences unknown callers – no more disturbance
- ✅ Protects your IP address during calls
- ✅ Prevents unauthorized account access
- ✅ No more unwanted group additions
- ✅ Free feature – no subscription or payment required
Who Should Use This Feature?
| User Type | Why Enable? |
|---|---|
| 📞 Receives spam calls daily | Silences unknown callers automatically |
| 📨 Gets phishing messages | Blocks suspicious links and attachments |
| 👨👩👧👦 Family users | Protects elderly family members from scams |
| 💼 Business users | Secures professional communication |
| 🔐 Privacy-conscious users | Hides IP address and profile activity |
Final Words
By taking just 30 seconds to enable this setting, you can protect your personal information and avoid falling prey to online scammers. This feature is especially useful for users who frequently receive spam calls, phishing messages, or unwanted media from unknown numbers.
• Go to Settings → Privacy → Advanced
• Turn ON Strict Account Setting
• Your WhatsApp is now more secure!
