WhatsApp is creating a new security feature called Strict Account Settings for people who think someone might try to hack or target them.
This feature is still being tested and was found in the Android beta version 2.25.33.4. It is not available for all users yet.
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When you turn on Strict mode, it will automatically turn on many security features at once. This means you won’t have to change each privacy or security setting one by one. For example, when you make voice or video calls, they will go through WhatsApp’s servers. This hides your IP address so no one can find out where you are or who you are through call details.
This mode will also stop photos, videos, and documents from unknown or unsaved numbers. You can still send text messages to those people, but blocking media stops hackers or scammers from sending harmful files. Link previews will also be turned off because they connect to outside websites that can expose your device information or IP address.
Calls from numbers that aren’t saved might be silenced, and only saved contacts will be able to add you to groups. This helps keep away unwanted calls or spam group invites. Your profile privacy settings will also change automatically your photo, status, and “last seen” will only be visible to your contacts. Two-step verification will turn on automatically too, adding extra protection if someone tries to log in to your account on another device.
Even though WhatsApp already protects chats with end-to-end encryption and has privacy settings, this new mode is meant for people who need stronger safety. Using this mode is completely your choice. Regular users can continue using the normal version if they want. WhatsApp has not said when this new mode will be available, so users should keep their app updated to see when it arrives.
This feature will be very useful for people who deal with private or sensitive talks, like journalists, activists, or business people. It lets them turn on many security tools with just one button. For other users, most of these settings are already available but need to be turned on manually. Strict mode makes it easier by combining all these protections into one simple option.
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