Mobile phone lost - how to block WhatsApp
If you have lost your cell phone and do not use a lock code, the thief can also view your WhatsApp messages and send new messages. We will show you how to block your WhatsApp account after loss and thus prevent misuse.
Cell phone lost: block WhatsApp
- In the event of loss, send an email to WhatsApp as soon as possible. You can use the email address " ".
- The email does not have to contain large text, something like: "Lost / Stolen: Please deactivate my account". Support understands this command also in German.
- In addition, you must also enter the mobile phone number that WhatsApp should block. Make sure you choose the international format.
- In international format, mobile phone numbers look like this: +49 172 1234567. WhatsApp cannot do much with the German format 0172 1234567.
WhatsApp is blocked - what happens now?
- WhatsApp will now deactivate your account as soon as possible. A deactivated account remains as a backup for WhatsApp for 30 days, after which it is completely deleted.
- To use the account again, you only have to set up WhatsApp again on a smartphone. In the case of a stolen cell phone, you need a new SIM card from your cell phone provider. All messages that you received in your absence will be sent to you subsequently.
- Warning: WhatsApp can still be used on the stolen smartphone even if you have your SIM card blocked by the mobile operator. WhatsApp will only be blocked on the device if you block your account by email or you set up WhatsApp with a second SIM card on another smartphone.
In the next practical tip, we will show you what you still have to do after losing your cell phone.