Lock Down Your Chats with WhatsApp’s Strict Account Settings
WhatsApp has introduced new Strict Account Settings designed to strengthen privacy and reduce unwanted contact. Here’s how the feature works, who gets it, and how to configure it for maximum control.
By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor
February 24, 2026
How many times have you been added to a random group chat or received a suspicious message from an unknown number?
Messaging apps are essential for business and personal communication, but convenience often comes at the cost of privacy.
Here's a Cool Tip: Set WhatsApp's Strict Account Settings.
WhatsApp’s latest privacy update, called Strict Account Settings, aims to rebalance that equation.
These new controls give users stronger defenses against spam, unwanted group adds, and visibility exposure while preserving end-to-end encryption.
If you use WhatsApp for business coordination, family communication, or client outreach, this is a feature worth enabling.
Strict Account Settings adds an extra layer of privacy controls inside WhatsApp.
It builds on existing settings such as Last Seen, Profile Photo, and Groups, but shifts your account toward a more restrictive posture by default.
In practical terms, it:
- Limits who can add you to groups.
- Reduces visibility of your profile details to unknown contacts.
- Strengthens controls around messaging requests.
- Helps prevent mass-add spam behaviors.
The feature is designed to provide stronger privacy protection while maintaining encrypted messaging.
Why it matters:
- Spam and phishing increasingly originate inside messaging platforms. Reducing unsolicited contact lowers social engineering risk for both home users and business professionals.
What You’ll Gain
With Strict Account Settings enabled, you can expect:
- Fewer unwanted group chat invitations
- Reduced exposure of your profile information
- Lower risk of messaging-based scams
- More control over who can reach you
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here's how to do it.
iOS
- Open WhatsApp.
- Tap Settings in the bottom-right corner.
- Select Privacy.
- Select Advanced.
- Locate the new Strict Account Settings option.
- Enable the toggle.
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| fig. 1 - Take Control of Your WhatsApp Security |
Android
- Open WhatsApp.
- Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
- Select Settings.
- Tap Privacy.
- Scroll to the bottom and tap Advanced.
- Enable Strict Account Settings or enhanced restrictions.
If you do not see the feature yet, it may still be rolling out.
Please note that these settings can only be managed from your primary mobile device.
You cannot enable or disable Strict Account Settings from WhatsApp Web or the Desktop app.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Stronger spam protection that reduces unsolicited group invites for professionals.
- Better client privacy for consultants, educators, and business owners.
- Low-friction activation with simple toggle-based setup.
- Preserves encryption while improving exposure control.
Cons
- May limit networking if strict filtering blocks legitimate outreach.
- Rollout timing varies, so some users may not see it yet.
- Requires periodic review if your communication needs change.
- Strict Account Settings is currently rolling out globally across iOS, and Android.
- Availability may vary by version and region.
- No subscription is required. WhatsApp remains free to use.
Score
Criterion | Score (0–10) | Justification
Strong protection against spam and unwanted contact, especially valuable for business users.
Simple toggle-based activation, but requires manual review of related privacy settings.
Incremental improvement rather than a breakthrough feature.
A practical and necessary privacy upgrade that compares well with Telegram’s strict group controls and Signal’s privacy-first approach.
Key Takeaways
Strict Account Settings strengthens your control over who can contact you and view your profile. It reduces spam, protects sensitive information, and requires only a few minutes to enable.
Cool Tip Snapshot
- Feature Name: Strict Account Settings.
- Platform(s): iOS, Android.
- Quick Benefit: Reduces unwanted contact and protects profile visibility.
- Access Type: Free, currently rolling out.
Try It Yourself
Open WhatsApp today, enable Strict Account Settings, and review your privacy controls.
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Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned technology expert and editor of OneCoolTip.com, transforms complex tech into practical advice for everyday users. His Cool Tips empower readers to stay productive, secure, and one step ahead in the digital world.
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