Key Takeaways
- To hide your IP address during WhatsApp calls, open the WhatsApp app on your Android device or iPhone and navigate to Settings > Privacy > Advanced. In the Advanced menu, enable the “Protect IP address in calls” toggle.
When you make a WhatsApp call, your IP address is shared with the person you’re calling. However, sharing your IP address can reveal your location and Internet Service Provider (ISP). Thankfully, WhatsApp offers an option to hide your IP address during calls.
Why You Should Hide Your IP Address During WhatsApp Calls
An IP address, or “Internet Protocol” address, is a unique numerical identifier assigned to your device that allows other devices to connect to it. Someone with your IP address can easily find your approximate location and internet service provider (ISP).
While this may not be particularly useful to your friends and family, malicious actors can use it to gain information about you. They can exploit your IP address to obtain data about your internet service provider and subsequently use it to gather data about your online activity. This information is then sold to advertisers, who use it to deliver targeted advertisements.
In light of these risks, it’s a good idea to hide your IP address when making WhatsApp calls to individuals you barely know.
Steps to Hide Your IP Address During WhatsApp Calls
WhatsApp’s IP address settings can be found in the app on your Android device or iPhone under Settings > Privacy > Advanced.
To begin with, tap your profile icon in the bottom-right corner to access the WhatsApp Settings menu.
Select the “Privacy” option and then tap “Advanced.”
Enable the “Protect IP address in calls” toggle.
Now, all your WhatsApp calls will be routed through WhatsApp’s servers rather than establishing a direct connection with the recipient. This prevents the recipient from accessing your IP address. However, it’s important to note that enabling this privacy setting may slightly decrease call quality.
Can You Hide Your IP Address During Group Calls on WhatsApp?
No, this feature only works for one-on-one calls. This is because group calls are automatically relayed through WhatsApp’s servers, which means your IP address remains hidden during group conversations by default.
Privacy should always be a top concern when making WhatsApp calls to unknown individuals. Fortunately, WhatsApp’s privacy settings allow you to easily hide your IP address from the recipient. Additionally, you can employ other measures to further mask your IP address.
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