WhatsApp Strict Account Settings Feature Released: What Is It And How To Turn It On

Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp has announced a new security feature called Strict Account Settings, which the company says is designed to offer stronger protections for users facing heightened

digital risks. Described by WhatsApp as a “lockdown-style” option, the feature bundles multiple restrictive safety settings into a single toggle and is expected to roll out globally over the coming weeks.According to a WhatsApp blog post published on Tuesday, the new option allows users to opt into tighter controls that limit how unknown contacts can interact with their accounts. While WhatsApp already uses end-to-end encryption by default, the company claims this additional layer is meant for people who may be targeted by sophisticated cyber attacks.WhatsApp joins other US tech giants in offering optional high-security modes. Apple introduced Lockdown Mode in 2022, while Google later rolled out Advanced Protection Mode for Android users with what it described as “heightened security needs.”What Meta Says The Feature Is Meant ForMeta says the new Strict Account Settings are aimed at users such as journalists, activists, and public-facing figures, though the feature will be available to all users. In its statement, WhatsApp said it believes encryption alone may not always be sufficient in rare but advanced threat scenarios.“But we also know that a few of our users may need extreme safeguards,” the company said, referring to what it called “highly-sophisticated cyber attacks.”What Changes When Strict Account Settings Are EnabledOnce activated, Strict Account Settings automatically locks several account options to their most restrictive state. According to WhatsApp, media files and attachments sent by unknown users will be blocked by default, reducing the risk of malicious downloads.The feature also disables link previews, which are the thumbnails that appear when links are shared in chats. WhatsApp claims these previews can be exploited as part of surveillance or tracking attempts. In addition, calls from unknown numbers are silenced, meaning they will no longer ring through, although they will still appear in call logs.WhatsApp says these areas have historically been used as attack vectors by advanced spyware and hacking tools.How To Turn It OnUsers who receive the update can enable the feature by navigating to Settings, then Privacy, followed by Advanced, where Strict Account Settings will appear as a single switch. Turning it on applies all restrictions at once.A Sign Of Tighter Security Across PlatformsOut-of-band security features like this are becoming more common as platforms respond to concerns about digital surveillance and targeted hacking. WhatsApp claims that Strict Account Settings is part of its broader effort to protect users without changing the default experience for everyone.