WhatsApp has become an important communication platform for Nigerians. It is widely used for family communication, business, payment-related discussions and the exchange of personal information.
This has also made WhatsApp accounts attractive targets for scammers and criminals seeking sensitive information or attempting to take over accounts.
WhatsApp has introduced several security and privacy features that give users greater control over their accounts. In February 2026, Meta also partnered with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) on a nationwide privacy education campaign to encourage users to make better use of available privacy and security tools.
Here are 10 WhatsApp features Nigerians should know and use to improve their account security:
1. Two-Step Verification
Two-step verification provides an additional layer of protection against account takeovers. WhatsApp announced on August 26, 2026, that it was strengthening the feature by upgrading the traditional six-digit PIN to a longer password containing letters, numbers and special characters.
Users should activate the feature and keep their password private. WhatsApp also advises users never to share their verification codes with anyone.
If you receive a verification code you did not request, it could mean someone is attempting to register your number on another device.
2. Passkeys
Passkeys provide another way to verify that the account owner is trying to access WhatsApp.
According to WhatsApp, passkeys can use a fingerprint, Face ID or a phone’s screen-lock code instead of traditional verification codes.
WhatsApp said in August 2026 that more than one billion people had set up passkeys.
3. Linked Devices
Criminals who gain access to a WhatsApp account may attempt to connect another computer or device to it.
The Linked Devices feature allows users to see the devices connected to their accounts. If an unfamiliar device appears, users can log it out directly from their primary phone.
The feature is particularly useful to check regularly after using WhatsApp Web on a public or shared computer.
4. Chat Lock
Chat Lock allows users to move sensitive conversations into a protected folder that requires the phone’s password or biometric authentication, such as a fingerprint.
Notifications can also hide details from locked conversations.
For Nigerians who keep sensitive business, financial or personal conversations on WhatsApp, Chat Lock provides an additional layer of protection if someone gains physical access to an unlocked phone.
5. Silence Unknown Callers
Scammers sometimes use unsolicited calls to reach potential victims.
WhatsApp’s Silence Unknown Callers feature prevents calls from unknown numbers from ringing normally, although they remain visible in the call list.
The feature is designed to help users screen out spam, scams and calls from unknown people.
It does not prevent legitimate calls from unfamiliar numbers from appearing in the call list, allowing users to review them later.
6. Privacy Checkup
Many people change their WhatsApp settings without reviewing how much personal information they make available to others.
Privacy Checkup provides a guided review of important privacy settings, including controls relating to messages, calls and personal information.
Nigerians should use the feature periodically to decide who can see information such as their profile details, online status and other personal information.
7. Disappearing Messages
Disappearing Messages can automatically remove new messages from a conversation after a selected period.
The feature can be useful when sharing information that does not need to remain permanently in a chat. WhatsApp initially introduced the feature with a seven-day option and has since expanded the available periods.
However, disappearing messages do not guarantee that information cannot be saved. Someone could still record or photograph the information before it disappears.
8. View Once
View Once allows photos and videos to disappear from a chat after they have been opened.
WhatsApp introduced the feature to give users greater control over sensitive media. It has also introduced View Once voice messages, which can be played only once.
The feature can be useful when sharing sensitive information that does not need to remain permanently in a conversation. However, users should still avoid sending highly sensitive information to people they do not trust.
9. Block and Report
When users receive suspicious messages, they do not have to continue engaging with the sender.
WhatsApp provides Block and Report options for dealing with unwanted or suspicious contacts. Reporting problematic behaviour helps WhatsApp identify abuse, while blocking prevents unwanted contacts from messaging the user.
This is particularly important when a stranger requests passwords, bank information, verification codes or other personal details.
10. End-to-End Encryption
WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption by default for personal messages and calls. This means the content can only be accessed by the people communicating, rather than by WhatsApp itself.
Encryption is an important part of WhatsApp’s security system. However, it cannot protect a user who voluntarily gives a criminal their verification code, password or other sensitive information.
The safest approach is to combine these features with basic caution. Never share verification codes or passwords, be careful with unknown contacts and regularly review your privacy and security settings.