How do you recover a hacked WhatsApp account? Reinstall or open WhatsApp on your phone and register your phone number again using the SMS verification code. Because WhatsApp can only be active on one phone number at a time, verifying your number logs the hacker out of their phone. If the hacker has turned on two-step verification, you may have to wait before you can re-register without the PIN. After you're back in, check Linked devices, log out of anything you don't recognize, turn on your own two-step verification, and warn your contacts.
Key takeaways
- Re-verifying your number is the main way to kick a hacker out.
- Never share your 6-digit WhatsApp code, even with friends.
- Check Linked devices for unknown WhatsApp Web or desktop sessions.
- Turn on two-step verification to prevent future takeovers.
- Protect your voicemail and SIM, since attackers can abuse them too.
Table of contents
Signs Your WhatsApp Has Been Hacked
- You're suddenly logged out and see a message that your number is registered on another phone.
- Friends receive messages you didn't send, often asking for money or codes.
- You see unknown sessions under Settings > Linked devices.
- You receive WhatsApp verification codes you didn't request.
- Your profile photo, name, or About text changes without you.
How to Recover Your Account Step by Step
- Open WhatsApp on your phone (reinstall it from the official app store if needed).
- Enter your phone number and request the verification code by SMS or call.
- Enter the 6-digit code. This moves the account back to your phone and logs out the hacker's phone.
- Restore your chats from your Google Drive or iCloud backup if prompted.
- Contact WhatsApp support from the app's Help section if you can't get back in.
Can't receive the SMS? Make sure your SIM is working. If your mobile number has stopped working unexpectedly, contact your carrier immediately, as this can be a sign of a SIM swap attack.
If the Hacker Set a Two-Step PIN
If the attacker turned on two-step verification, WhatsApp will ask for a 6-digit PIN you don't know. In this case:
- You may have to wait a set period (WhatsApp has used a waiting period of about seven days) before you can re-register without the PIN.
- Even without full access, verifying your number with the SMS code can log the hacker out, because only one phone can use the number at a time.
- Keep your phone number active and don't give anyone your codes while you wait.
What to Do After You Get Back In
- Check Linked devices and log out of every session you don't recognize.
- Turn on two-step verification with your own PIN and add a recovery email.
- Warn your contacts not to trust messages sent while the account was hacked, especially money requests.
- Check your privacy settings for profile photo, last seen, and groups.
- Change your voicemail PIN from the default.
- Report the incident to local authorities if the hacker used your account to scam people.
How WhatsApp Accounts Get Hacked
- Code-sharing scams: a hacked "friend" says they sent you a code by mistake and asks you to forward it. That code is your WhatsApp verification code.
- Voicemail hijacking: attackers request a voice verification code when your phone is off, then access your voicemail with a default PIN.
- SIM swap: criminals trick your carrier into moving your number to their SIM.
- Linked device scams: tricking you into scanning a QR code that links their computer to your account.
- Malicious apps: unofficial WhatsApp versions or spyware on your phone.
How to Protect Your Account
- Never share your WhatsApp verification code or PIN with anyone.
- Enable two-step verification under Settings > Account.
- Use a passkey if your app version supports it.
- Set a strong voicemail PIN and ask your carrier about a SIM or port-out PIN.
- Use only the official WhatsApp app. Unofficial versions can also get you banned; see how long a WhatsApp ban lasts.
- Share your number less by using the WhatsApp username feature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover my WhatsApp account after it was hacked?
Yes, in most cases. Register your phone number again in WhatsApp and enter the SMS verification code. This logs the hacker out because the account can only be active on one phone at a time.
What if the hacker enabled two-step verification?
You may need to wait a set period before you can re-register without the PIN. Verifying your number with the SMS code can still log the hacker out in the meantime.
Can a hacker read my old messages?
When a hacker registers your number on a new phone, they usually can't see your old chats unless they also access your backup. They can see new messages and send messages as you while they control the account.
Why did someone ask me for a WhatsApp code?
This is a common scam. The code is your account's verification code. Sharing it lets the scammer take over your WhatsApp. Never share it with anyone.
How can I see if someone else is using my WhatsApp?
Open Settings and check Linked devices for unknown sessions. Also watch for messages you didn't send or changes to your profile.
Conclusion
A hacked WhatsApp account can usually be recovered by re-registering your phone number with the SMS code. Once you're back in, remove unknown linked devices, turn on two-step verification, warn your contacts, and secure your voicemail and SIM. Most takeovers start with a shared code, so the simplest rule is also the most important: never share your WhatsApp verification code.
This article is for general information and is not affiliated with WhatsApp or Meta. Features and recovery steps can change, so check WhatsApp's official Help Center for the latest guidance.