WhatsApp launches 'Strict Account Settings': How to enable the new lockdown-style mode?
Posted on: Jan 28, 2026 07:21 IST | Posted by: Livemint
Meta on tues proclaimed a young secrecy feature film for called Strict account settings to protect users with ‘extreme safeguards against rare and highly-sophisticated cyber attacks.’
In a blogpost, the company while talking about its new feature said, “we also know that a few of our users – like journalists or public-facing figures – may need extreme safeguards against rare and highly-sophisticated cyber attacks.”
What does Strict account settings do?
WhatsApp says that Strict account settings is a set of ‘extreme protections’ and should only be used if the user believes they are at risk of a cyberattack.
The feature enabled lockdown like settings on WhatsApp by limiting the way in which the personal messaging app works. For instance,attached and media from people not in your contacts will be blocked while link previews would be disabled. WhatsApp will also limit who can call you or add you to a group.
In its description for the feature, WhatsApp warns, “Most people do not need this level of protection. This will reduce the quality of your messaging experience and calls”
Meta also today announced a new programming language called Rust in order to protect the user's photos, videos and messages safe from spyware.
Notably, Meta is not the first company to introduce such a privacy focused feature for protecting vulnerable users. Apple had introduced a similar “Lockdown Mode” feature in 2022 which the company describes as ‘optional, extreme protection that’s designed for the very few individuals who, because of who they are or what they do, might be personally targeted by some of the most sophisticated digital threats.’
The feature turns off message attachemenets,
Blocks most message attachments, disables complex web technologies, blocks FaceTime calls from unknown contacts, and turns off 2G/3G cellular support.
How to enable strict mode on WhatsApp?
If you want to enabled strict account settings on your phone, you can follow the below steps:
1) Update the WhatsApp app to the latest version
2) Open WhatsAp and head over to Settings
3) Tap on Privacy and then scroll down to the bottom to click on Advanced
4) Tap on Strict Account settings and agree to the terms
5) You will be asked to set up a 6 digit pin before you turn on strict account settings
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