If someone else is using your WhatsApp, the fix is to register your number again on your own phone. When you type the new SMS code, the other person is logged out. Then add a two-step PIN so it cannot happen again.
Signs your account was taken
- WhatsApp says "Your phone number is no longer registered with WhatsApp on this phone".
- Friends get messages from you asking for money or codes.
- You see an unknown computer in Linked devices.
Step 1: register again
- Keep your SIM in your phone. Open WhatsApp (reinstall it if needed).
- Type your number and get the 6-digit code by SMS or call.
- Enter the code. The person using your account is logged out right away.
If it asks for a two-step PIN you never set
The hacker added their own PIN. Tap Forgot PIN? and wait. After 7 days WhatsApp lets you register without the PIN. The hacker is logged out as soon as you enter the SMS code, even during the wait, so they cannot keep reading new messages. Do not give up: just try again after the waiting time ends.
Step 2: lock it down
- Turn on two-step verification with your own PIN and email (guide).
- Check Linked devices and Log out any you don't know (how).
- Check your profile name, photo and About were not changed.
Step 3: warn people
- Tell family and friends (call, SMS or a status update) that your WhatsApp was hacked and not to send money or codes to "you".
- If money was sent to the scammer, call 1930 (India cyber helpline) and report at cybercrime.gov.in.
Lost or stolen phone
Get a duplicate SIM of the same number from your operator (bring ID), put it in any phone and register WhatsApp: that logs out the lost phone. Until then, you can ask WhatsApp to deactivate the account from Settings › Help › Contact us on another phone, saying "Lost/stolen: please deactivate my account" with your number in international format (+91...).
If it doesn't work
- The code doesn't arrive: see code not received.
- Banned or blocked message: use the in-app Request a review option.
- Contact WhatsApp support from the app: Settings › Help (Android may say Help and feedback) › Contact us.
Safety tip
Almost every hack starts with someone sharing a code. Never share your SMS code or PIN, not even with a friend's number asking for it.
This is GroupChatOn’s own easy guide. We are not WhatsApp and are not linked with WhatsApp or Meta. WhatsApp sometimes changes its menus: if a button looks different on your phone, update WhatsApp from the Play Store or App Store.
Still stuck?
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Questions, or an error not listed here?
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