WhatsApp has become the essential messaging app for most people, and using it on mobile phones, computers, or tablets is so commonplace that we often forget about the potential risks of leaving our sessions open in places where anyone could snoop. Therefore, knowing how to use WhatsApp is important. How to see what sessions you have open on WhatsApp and how to close them It is key to strengthening your privacy and avoiding unpleasantness.
It is not unusual to leave your WhatsApp open in several places throughout the day: laptop, desktop, personal mobile... Do you have control over how many devices access your account and from where? Below, we'll explain everything you need to know to protect your account: how to detect open sessions, how to close them immediately, and what extra security measures you can take to prevent anyone from accessing your chats without permission.
Why is it important to review open sessions on WhatsApp?
The comfort of being able to use WhatsApp from multiple devices at the same time has promoted the “linked devices” function and Web WhatsAppYou can reply to messages from your computer while you're working, follow a conversation on your tablet, or even access them from different phones. However, this advancement also comes with risks: Anyone with access to one of these devices could read your chats, view your photos, or even impersonate you..
Leaving your account open on public computers or devices you're going to sell, share, or repair can easily expose your conversations. And what sometimes seems insignificant can end up causing a stir if someone snoops or even gets into trouble using your account. Therefore, it is essential to know on which devices your account is still active and close those you do not recognize..
How to view open sessions on WhatsApp step by step
For some time now, WhatsApp allows you to check all the devices where you are logged in.The process is very simple and can be done from both Android and iOS.
On Android
- Open the WhatsApp application on your mobile.
- Click on the three point icon (top right) to open the options menu.
- Choose Linked devices or “WhatsApp Web” (depending on the version).
- You will see a list of all devices where your account is activeComputers, tablets, browsers, and phones that are logged in will appear here.
- In each one, you can consult Details such as device type, operating system, browser, and last activity.
On iOS (iPhone)
- Open WhatsApp on your iPhone.
- Go to Configuration (gear icon, bottom right).
- Choose the option Linked devices or “WhatsApp Web/Desktop”.
- You will see the list of open sessions on other devices, with all the relevant information.
What information does each active session provide?
On the screen paired devices, WhatsApp displays key information, such as:
- Device Type: Windows computer, Mac, Android mobile, Chrome browser, Safari, tablet, etc.
- Browser and operating system: If you accessed through WhatsApp Web, you'll see which browser and operating system the session was used to connect.
- Date and time of last activity: to check for recent activity on a device you no longer use.
- Approximate location: Sometimes WhatsApp displays the city or area from which the session was opened.
If you detect an unknown device or an access time that does not correspond, close that session immediately..
How to close open WhatsApp sessions on devices
WhatsApp allows log out remotely, either one at a time or in bulk (on some systems). This way, you can disconnect your account from any device you no longer use or that seems suspicious.
Close a specific session
- On the screen Linked devices, locate the device you want to remove.
- Click on it to access the options menu.
- Choose Logout or “Sign Out.” (On iOS, swipe left on the device and tap Sign Out.)
- Confirm when prompted.
Close all sessions at once
If you have several sessions open and want to start from scratch, You can close all open sessions in one step from the linked devices menu.
- On Android and some iOS devices, there is an option to “Close all sessions” at the bottom of the list.
- Confirm the action and all sessions except the main one will be automatically closed.
Can I log out from the linked device itself?
Yes, if you have access to the computer or tablet where WhatsApp Web was opened, You can log out from that same platform.: On WhatsApp Web, access the menu (three-dot icon next to your avatar or name). This option only logs out on that browser. To log out on other devices, you'll need to log out from your mobile device.
Does WhatsApp notify you if someone logs in on a new device?
Every time someone links your account on a new device, you receive a notification on your mobile alerting you of the new login. This is additional protection, although:
- The Notifications may take a while to appear, especially if the session has been active for some time.
- It doesn't always notify you of old sessions, so it's a good idea to check periodically.
What to do if you lose your main phone?
In case of loss of your mobile phone, You can protect your account by blocking your SIM through your telephone company.This prevents someone from verifying your number on another device.
You can also Install WhatsApp on another phone with the same number. Upon completion of verification, All sessions opened on other devices will be automatically closedAfter regaining access, it's a good idea to re-enable two-step verification and review your linked devices.
Extra tips to strengthen the security of your WhatsApp
- Check open sessions regularly, not just when you suspect suspicious activity.
- Avoid using public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks to log in to WhatsApp Web, as they can be easily hacked or spied on.
- Activate the login notifications and pay attention to warnings of suspicious activity.
- When using WhatsApp Web on third-party devices, Remember to log out before leaving the computer.
- If you are going to sell, lend or repair a device where you have an active session, delete the WhatsApp account and log out previously.
The option of linking devices and using WhatsApp from different devices is very practical, but it requires control and attention. Properly managing your sessions and activating additional security measures protects your privacy and prevents careless incidents..
