The WhatsApp application may seem easy to use, but many people make certain mistakes when using the popular app. Below is a list of mistakes you should avoid when using WhatsApp, according to The Sun newspaper:
1. **WhatsApp Lock**
Locking WhatsApp separately on an iPhone is very important, as it means that people using your phone cannot read your private messages. To set up this feature, go to WhatsApp settings, then tap on Account and then Privacy. From here, you can enable "Screen Lock" using Touch ID or Face ID and you can also choose a duration for when the ID will be required again.
2. **Self-Deleting Messages**
WhatsApp has a recently added feature that automatically self-destructs new messages after one day. This update aims to enhance your privacy by destroying WhatsApp messages. Disappearing messages can be set to automatically turn on for all new chats without affecting existing conversations. Two new durations for disappearing messages have been added after 24 hours and 90 days. You can now choose from four options in total: 24 hours, 7 days, 90 days, or off. Go to Settings > Account > Privacy and then enable the default message timer.
3. **Do Not Send the WhatsApp Verification Code to Anyone**
There is a clever scam you should be aware of that revolves around the six-digit verification code provided by WhatsApp when you want to regain access to your account. A scammer may send you a message pretending to be one of your friends, while at the same time, you receive a text or email from WhatsApp with the verification code the scammer has requested, pretending to be you, asking you to provide this number. If you fall for the trick, they will activate your account on their device, and you will be unable to access your account again. Therefore, avoid sending the verification code to anyone.
4. **Disable Automatic Media Saving**
Ensure that WhatsApp does not save all media files to your phone's storage. Open the WhatsApp app, tap on "Settings," then "Storage and Data," then tap on "Chats" and turn off the switch labeled "Save to Camera Roll." You can also stop the app from downloading media from individual chats. Simply go to the desired chat, tap on its title at the top, and change the settings through the "Save to Camera Roll" option.
5. **Enable Two-Step Verification**
You should enable two-step verification now; it’s an additional step to verify your phone number to help keep hackers trying to breach WhatsApp accounts away. To enable two-step verification, go to Settings > Account and switch the setting to on.
6. **Secure Your Group Settings**
There is a setting to prevent strangers from adding you to groups. Go to WhatsApp settings, then Account, then Privacy, and then Groups. You can now choose who can send you group invites. Your options are Everyone, My Contacts, and My Contacts Except. The first option is the most open, allowing anyone with your phone number to invite you, so it’s better to choose one of the other two options.
