Does recovering the account erase old conversations?

It depends on whether you have backup enabled (on Google Drive or iCloud). With backup configured before the incident, the conversation history can be restored normally after regaining access.

Does two-factor authentication guarantee total protection against cloning?

It drastically reduces the risk, but no protection is absolute. Keep being suspicious of requests for a verification code and avoid sharing that code with anyone, even if it seems like a legitimate situation.

Security · Best Practices

WhatsApp account hacked or cloned: how to recover it and protect yourself

Published September 6, 2026 · 5 min read

Edson Feitosa de Oliveira Junior Founder & Lead Engineer · PruPru Digital Services

Proteção contra Golpes Digitais e Deepfake

Under Settings > Account > Two-step verification, set a six-digit PIN. This is what stops most cloning scams, since even with the SMS code in hand, the scammer would still need this additional PIN to access the account.

Watch out for the most common cause of cloning

Most cases start with the victim themselves accidentally forwarding the verification code received by SMS, usually after a call or message posing as a company, a sweepstakes, or even a known contact. Never share this code with anyone, under any circumstance.

PruPru Digital Security Checklist

Account and password protection is one of the 10 steps in our free digital security checklist for small businesses.

See the security checklist →