How to check WhatsApp Linked devices and remove strangers
See every phone or computer logged in to your WhatsApp, log out devices you do not know and spot the QR code trick used to spy on chats.
WhatsApp can run on other devices through a feature called Linked devices. Scammers use QR codes or fake support pages to link their own device to your account and quietly read your chats. Checking the list takes a minute. Menu names differ slightly on Samsung, Xiaomi, Vivo, Oppo, Realme and OnePlus phones.
Steps
- Open Linked devices. In WhatsApp, tap the three dots at the top right, then Linked devices. On newer versions it may be under Settings. You will see the devices connected to your account and when they were last active.
- Read the list carefully. Each entry shows a device name, browser or app and a last active time. Match them against your own laptop, tablet or office computer. Anything you do not recognise is a problem.
- Log out unknown devices. Tap the unknown entry and choose Log out. Confirm. Do this for old computers and shared machines too. If many entries are unknown, log out all and continue to the next steps.
- Add two-step verification. Set a two-step PIN and recovery email in Settings, Account, Two-step verification. This makes it harder for an attacker to link or re-register your account in future.
- Be careful with QR codes. Only scan a WhatsApp Web QR code from your own computer, and never one sent to you in a chat or a call. Linking is meant to be done by you, on a screen you control.
Menu names differ a little between phone makers and Android versions. If you cannot find a setting, open Settings and use the search box.
Why it matters
A linked device can read new messages and see photos without alerting you in a big way. Criminals use it to watch for payment details or to message your contacts for money. If a partner, boss or stranger has once held your phone, they could have linked their own device in seconds.
Watch out for
- A caller asking you to scan a QR code to receive money or a refund is a scam.
- Linked devices keep working even if the phone is away, until they are logged out.
- Check the list after a phone is lent, repaired or lost.
- Public computers should always be logged out after WhatsApp Web.
How Safeavio helps
Safeavio's QR check lets you scan a QR code and see where it goes before you act, which helps with fake payment and link-device codes. Scam check explains a worrying message you paste. It cannot see inside WhatsApp, so the Linked devices page stays your main check.
Check it before you tap or pay
Safeavio Sentinel is a made-in-India Android app: paste a message or link, or scan a QR code, and get a plain verdict with the reasons. It helps you spot a scam; it does not promise to stop every one.
Download for AndroidWhat the app does
Google Play listing: coming soon. Today the signed APK is on safeavio.com/download. Android 7.0 or later.
Questions
Will logging out a linked device delete my chats?
No. Logging out only disconnects that device. Your chats stay on your phone. The other device will lose access and must scan a new code to link again.
Can someone link a device without my phone?
They normally need to scan a code shown from your phone, or trick you into doing it. Physical access or a convincing request is usually how it happens.