WhatsApp is, without a doubt, one of the most widely used messaging apps in the world. Its versatility and ease of use have led millions of users to use it not only on their mobile phones, but also on computers and tablets via WhatsApp Web or the desktop app. This feature, while very useful, can also pose a privacy risk if not managed properly.
Did you know you can have multiple WhatsApp Web sessions active on different devices at the same time? If you're logged in on a work computer, a home computer, or even a public device and haven't logged out, anyone with access to that device could read your conversations or even write on your behalf. Don't worry: in this article, you'll learn how to do it. How to view and close all open sessions in a safe way, step by step and from any device.
Why is it important to review your active sessions?
You may have logged into WhatsApp Web on multiple devices and forgotten to. This could become problematic if, for example, that computer is no longer yours, is shared by someone else, or is in a public place. Review active sessions allows you to maintain complete control over your account and prevent unauthorized access.
Some signs that someone might be accessing your account without your permission include changes to your profile picture, read messages that you didn't open, or even sent messages that you didn't write. Detecting these situations early is key to protect your privacy.
How to view active WhatsApp sessions from your mobile
To check which devices your WhatsApp account is logged in on, you can easily do so from the app on your mobile device, whether Android or iPhone. Here's how:
On Android
- Open WhatsApp and tap the three vertical dots in the top right corner.
- Choose “Linked devices”.
- You will see a list of all the devices where your account is active, including Information such as device type, browser, operating system, and last connection date.
On iOS
- Open WhatsApp and go to the tab "Configuration".
- Tap on “Linked devices”.
- Check active sessions and act accordingly.
On both systems, if you don't have an active session, you'll be given the option to pair a new device by scanning a QR code.
How to log out of WhatsApp Web from your mobile
If, while reviewing the list, you see devices you no longer have access to or that you don't recognize, it's best to revoke their access immediately. You can do this in two ways:
Disconnect individual sessions
- In the list of paired devices, tap the device you want to remove.
- Choose "Sign off".
Close all sessions at once
- On some mobile phones, the option appears “Close all sessions”.
- Confirm the action when prompted.
Important: This option may vary depending on the version of WhatsApp you have installed. Some newer versions no longer allow you to log out of WhatsApp in bulk with a single click, and you'll have to log out manually.
How to log out from WhatsApp Web or Desktop
If you're using WhatsApp Web or the desktop app and want to log out directly from that device, the process is also simple:
From a computer
- On WhatsApp Web, click the three vertical dots next to your profile picture.
- Choose "Sign off".
From the desktop app (Windows or Mac)
- Open WhatsApp on your PC.
- Click the settings icon (or the options menu).
- Look for the option "Sign off" and confirm it.
How to keep the session active if you need to?
You may always use the same computer and don't want to log in every time. In that case, WhatsApp offers options to keep your session active:
- When you log in to WhatsApp Web, check the box “Keep session active”.
- Don't close the browser tab or desktop app.
- Prevents the system from going to sleep.
You can also use browser extensions or specific power settings on your computer to prevent session logouts due to inactivity.
Detect suspicious access to your account
WhatsApp sends you a notification every time your account is linked to a new device. If you receive this notification without having completed the process yourself, it means someone may be trying to access your account. In this case:
- Accede to “Linked devices” and close all sessions you don't recognize.
- Activate the two step verification from the account settings menu.
- Change the password for the email account associated with your WhatsApp number.
What if my phone is stolen or lost?
If you have lost your smartphone or it has been stolen, you can log out remotely following these steps:
- Install WhatsApp on a new phone and log in with your phone number. This will automatically log out of the old device.
- If you don't have a new device on hand, you can ask someone to lend you a mobile phone to access your account and log out from the "Linked Devices" section.
- It is also recommended contact WhatsApp technical support to request a temporary account lock.
What happens when I close a session?
When you log out of a device, That person will no longer be able to access your account. from that computer or browser, unless you scan the QR code again with your phone. That is, your messages and conversations are not deleted, only access to the account from that device is revoked.
Tips to keep your WhatsApp account secure
- Check frequently the devices linked to your account.
- Activate XNUMX-Step Verification to make access difficult for others.
- Change your email password periodically.
- Sign out when using public or shared devices.
- Be careful with suspicious links or messages that may be part of phishing attempts.
Which devices can use WhatsApp Web?
WhatsApp Web or the desktop app can be used on:
- Computers with browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Edge.
- Official desktop apps for Windows and macOS.
- Tablets via the browser, although they do not have full official support.
Properly managing your WhatsApp Web sessions is essential to ensuring the security of your data and maintaining full control of your account. Regularly reviewing connected devices, logging out of unnecessary sessions, and enabling features like two-step verification can make a big difference to your privacy. Protecting your messages and preventing unauthorized access are essential to safeguarding your personal and professional information. Share the information so that other users know about the topic.