Is WhatsApp safer than text messaging?

WhatsApp offers more security than text messaging by using end-to-end encryption, which ensures only the sender and receiver can read the messages. But neither option is immune to smishing scams, designed to steal your personal information or get you to click malicious links.

Is WhatsApp encrypted?

Yes, WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption, meaning that data is encrypted before you send it, and is only decrypted once it reaches the recipient’s device.

Does WhatsApp show your phone number?

Yes, WhatsApp shows your phone number to contacts and shared group members. Only add contacts and join groups you’re happy to share your number with.

Can people on WhatsApp see your location?

Yes, people on WhatsApp can see your location if you choose to share it with them. You can send your location as a one-time share or enable live location sharing for a specific duration (15 minutes, 1 hour, or 8 hours). However, you have full control over this, as you can turn off live location sharing at any time and manage who you share it with.

Can someone contact me on WhatsApp if they are not in my contacts?

Yes, someone can message you on WhatsApp even if they are not in your contacts, as long as they know your phone number. If someone isn’t in your contact list and messages you, WhatsApp will give you the option to add, block, or report the number.

Is WhatsApp safe? The pros, cons, and hidden dangers

Please select your country/region

Argentina

Brasil

Canada (English)

Canada (Français)

Caribbean (English)

Caribe (Español)

Chile

Colombia

Costa Rica

Ecuador

El Salvador

Guatemala

Hispanoamérica

México

Panamá

Perú

Puerto Rico (English)

United States

Uruguay

Venezuela

België (Nederlands)

Belgique (Français)

Česko

Danmark

Deutschland

España

Estonia (English)

France

Iceland (English)

Ireland (English)

Israel (English)

Italia

Latvia (English)

Lithuania (English)

Luxembourg (Français)

Magyarország

Nederland

Norge

Österreich

Polska

Portugal

România

Schweiz (Deutsch)

Suisse (Français)

Svizzera (Italiano)

South Africa

Suomi

Sverige

Türkiye

United Arab Emirates (English)

United Kingdom

Ελλάδα

Россия

Australia

Cambodia (English)

Hong Kong (English)

香港

India (English)

Indonesia (English)

Malaysia (English)

New Zealand

Philippines (English)

Singapore (English)

Thailand (English)

Vietnam (English)

대한민국

中国

台灣

日本

Products

Product Features

Services & Support

About

Norton is part of Gen – a global company with a family of trusted brands.

Copyright © 2025 Gen Digital Inc. All rights reserved. Gen trademarks or registered trademarks are property of Gen Digital Inc. or its affiliates. Firefox is a trademark of Mozilla Foundation. Android, Google Chrome, Google Play, and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google, LLC. Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple, and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Alexa and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Microsoft and the Windows logo are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. The Android robot is reproduced or modified from work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

About Gen Newsroom Careers Legal Privacy Security Terms of Use Accessibility System Status

Contents

Want more?

Contents

Related articles

Want more?