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7 Ways How to Hack WhatsApp & Protect Yourself from Being Hacked

Andrew Davis
Andrew Davis
Mar 16, 2025

WhatsApp has transformed the way you communicate, with billions of users exchanging messages, videos, and calls every day. While it feels private and secure, the truth is that how to hack WhatsApp is a question hackers have already figured out.

How to hack WhatsApp

Whether it’s social engineering or advanced spyware, hackers use various techniques to break into accounts and exploit your sensitive data. In this blog, I’ll cover 7 proven ways hackers gain access to WhatsApp accounts and how you can protect yourself from these threats.

Let’s dive in!

Can WhatsApp Really Be Hacked?

Yes, WhatsApp can be hacked, but not easily. Since it uses end-to-end encryption, your messages remain secure during transmission. However, hackers can still exploit vulnerabilities like social engineering, spyware, or unauthorized access to your WhatsApp Web session.

One common method is through OTP phishing, where attackers trick you into sharing your verification code. Once they gain access, they can lock you out. Spyware apps can also secretly monitor your messages and calls if installed on your phone. Additionally, using public Wi-Fi can expose your data to potential threats.

To stay safe, enable two-step verification, never share your OTP, log out of inactive WhatsApp Web sessions, and avoid downloading untrusted apps. Regularly update WhatsApp to patch security vulnerabilities. While hacking WhatsApp isn’t easy, staying vigilant and using security features can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your account.

7 Powerful Methods to Hack WhatsApp Like a Pro

hack WhatsApp like a pro

Here are the seven real ways how to hack WhatsApp—not to encourage hacking but to help you understand how these methods work so you can better protect yourself.

1. Social Engineering – The Classic WhatsApp Scam

Hacking isn’t always about advanced technology. Sometimes, all it takes is a little manipulation. Social engineering attacks rely on human psychology rather than software exploits, making them one of the easiest and most effective hacking methods.

How It Works

Hackers trick you into voluntarily handing over your WhatsApp verification code. This allows them to log in to your account without needing any technical skills.

Here’s how they do it:

  • They enter your phone number in WhatsApp on their device.
  • WhatsApp sends a verification code to your phone.
  • They pretend to be a friend, a WhatsApp representative, or even a customer support agent and convince you to share the code.
  • Once they have the code, they gain full control of your account, locking you out.

How to Protect Yourself

You might think you’d never fall for this, but social engineering tactics are getting more sophisticated. Here’s how to protect yourself:

  1. Never share your WhatsApp verification code with anyone, no matter what they say.
  2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) in Settings > Account > Two-Step Verification to add an extra security layer.
  3. Be skeptical of urgent messages asking for verification codes or login details.

2. QR Code Hijacking via WhatsApp Web

checking linked devices for WhatsApp security

If you’ve ever used WhatsApp Web, you know it requires scanning a QR code to link your account. Hackers exploit this feature to gain access to your messages.

How It Works:

  • Hackers create a fake WhatsApp Web QR code and trick you into scanning it.
  • The QR code links your WhatsApp to their computer, granting them real-time access to all your messages.
  • They can monitor your conversations without your knowledge.

How to Protect Yourself:

  1. Check all linked devices in Settings > Linked Devices. Immediately log out of any unfamiliar devices.
  2. Avoid scanning QR codes from unverified sources.

3. Using SafeMyKid – The Legal Way to Hack WhatsApp

SafeMyKid WhatsApp hacking tool

If you're searching for how to hack WhatsApp, it's important to understand ethical and legal ways to monitor WhatsApp activity. Instead of resorting to illegal hacking methods, you can use SafeMyKid, a trusted monitoring tool that ensures digital safety while maintaining privacy.

Sign Up Free View Demo

SafeMyKid is a powerful app that operates in stealth mode, allowing you to discreetly track WhatsApp activity without detection.

Key Features of SafeMyKid:

SafeMyKid is a powerful parental control app that lets you:

  • WhatsApp Monitoring: Access chats, calls, and shared media.
  • Keylogger: Record keystrokes to capture search queries and passwords.
  • GPS Tracking: Monitor real-time location and set geofencing alerts.
  • Browser History: View and block harmful websites.
  • Social Media Access: Track activity on platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapchat, and more.
  • Completely Hidden: Operates silently in the background, ensuring privacy.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Hack WhatsApp

Try SafeMyKid today and take control of your child’s digital safety.

Sign Up Free View Demo

Step 1. Create an Account

Sign up on the SafeMyKid website using your email address.

SafeMyKid signup page

Step 2. Setup the App

For iOS: No installation is required—just log in with iCloud credentials.

For Android: Download the SafeMyKid app and activate stealth mode.

follow instructions to set up SafeMyKid

Step 3. Start Hacking WhatsApp

Log in to the SafeMyKid dashboard to track WhatsApp chats, location history, browsing activity, and more.

start using SafeMyKid to hack WhatsApp

4. Spyware & Keyloggers – The Silent WhatsApp Hack

Spyware and keyloggers are advanced tools that operate silently in the background, recording everything you do on your phone.

How It Works:

  • Spyware is installed via malicious apps, fake downloads, or email attachments.
  • Once installed, it records your messages, keystrokes, and calls. Some spyware can even activate your microphone or camera remotely.
  • The data is sent back to the hacker without your knowledge.

How to Protect Yourself:

  1. Never download apps from unofficial sources.
  2. Use a security app to detect and remove spyware from your device.
  3. Regularly check for unknown apps in your phone’s settings.

5. SIM Swapping – The Ultimate Takeover

enabling two-factor authentication on WhatsApp

SIM swapping is one of the most dangerous hacks because it gives attackers full control of your phone number.

How It Works:

  • Hackers contact your mobile carrier, impersonating you.
  • They convince the carrier to transfer your phone number to their SIM card.
  • Once they have control of your number, they request WhatsApp verification codes and take over your account.

How to Protect Yourself:

  1. Add a PIN to your mobile carrier account to prevent unauthorized changes.
  2. Monitor your phone for signs of SIM activity, like sudden loss of service.

6. Dark Web WhatsApp Hacks – Stolen Data for Sale

Data breaches often expose personal details, including phone numbers and email addresses. These details are sold on the dark web, allowing hackers to target you.

How It Works:

  • Hackers purchase leaked phone numbers and use them to attempt scams or account takeovers.
  • They may send phishing messages to trick you into revealing additional information.

How to Protect Yourself:

  1. Use a dark web monitoring service to check if your information has been leaked.
  2. Limit who can see your phone number on WhatsApp by adjusting privacy settings in Settings > Privacy > About.

7. Call Forwarding Exploit – How Hackers Hijack Your Calls

One of the more technical ways hackers access WhatsApp involves call forwarding. This exploit relies on your unintentional cooperation.

How It Works:

  • You receive a message or call convincing you to dial a code, such as **21*[hacker’s number]#.
  • This code activates call forwarding, redirecting all calls to the hacker’s phone.
  • The hacker requests a WhatsApp verification call, receives the code, and hijacks your account.

How to Protect Yourself:

  1. Avoid dialing codes from unknown sources.
  2. Dial ##002# to disable all call-forwarding settings on your phone.

Comparison Table: WhatsApp Hacking Methods and Protection

I’ve also put together a detailed comparison table to show you how each hacking method works and the best ways to prevent it.

Hacking Method How It Works Protection Tips
Social Engineering Tricks you into sharing verification codes Never share codes; enable 2FA
QR Code Hijacking Links your WhatsApp to a hacker's device Check linked devices; avoid unverified QR codes
SafeMyKid Ethical monitoring for parents Use SafeMyKid for secure WhatsApp tracking
Spyware & Keyloggers Monitors messages, calls, and passwords Use security apps; avoid unknown downloads
SIM Swapping Transfers your number to a hacker’s SIM Set a PIN with your carrier
Dark Web Hacks Uses leaked data to target your account Monitor data leaks; limit WhatsApp visibility
Call Forwarding Exploit Redirects calls to hacker's number Disable call forwarding

FAQs About How to Hack WhatsApp

To wrap up this comprehensive guide, here are some of the most frequently asked questions about how to hack WhatsApp and how to protect yourself from hacking attempts. These questions aim to clear up any doubts and help you make an informed decision when managing your WhatsApp security and online privacy.

1. Can WhatsApp be hacked remotely without my knowledge?

Yes, some hacking techniques, such as QR code hijacking, spyware, and SIM swapping, allow attackers to gain access to WhatsApp remotely without the victim’s awareness. This is why it’s important to enable two-factor authentication (2FA) and regularly check for suspicious activity on your account.

2. What’s the most common way hackers gain access to WhatsApp accounts?

Social engineering is the most common hacking method. Hackers trick victims into providing their WhatsApp verification code, which allows them to log in and take over the account. Never share your verification code with anyone, even if they claim to be WhatsApp support.

3. Can someone spy on my WhatsApp messages without installing anything on my phone?

Yes, hackers can exploit WhatsApp Web, SIM swapping, and call forwarding exploits to gain access to your messages without installing spyware on your phone. Always check your Linked Devices in WhatsApp settings and be cautious about unusual requests to forward calls or verify your account.

4. Can hackers read deleted WhatsApp messages?

Yes, if they have installed spyware or keyloggers on your phone, they can access your messages, even if you delete them. Apps like SafeMyKid can also recover deleted messages for parents monitoring their child's WhatsApp activity.

5. Can I legally monitor my child’s WhatsApp activity?

Yes, parents can legally monitor their child’s WhatsApp for safety purposes. Tools like SafeMyKid allow discreet tracking of WhatsApp chats, calls, and locations, helping parents ensure their child's online safety while maintaining privacy and trust.

Final Thoughts

Now you know how to hack WhatsApp isn’t as complicated as you might think, and hackers are constantly finding new ways to break in. Whether it’s through social engineering, spyware, or QR code hijacking, you must stay vigilant and take proactive steps to secure your account.

For parents, SafeMyKid is an excellent tool to monitor WhatsApp ethically and ensure your child’s safety. With features like undetectable tracking, WhatsApp monitoring, and GPS location updates, it’s the ultimate parental control app.

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