ByPrivacy and data protection have become the most important topics in today’s digital age. Whenever we make a call through WhatsApp, our IP address can be exposed to the other person. This can not only track our location but can also potentially attack our network. In this article, we will learn how to keep the IP Address secure during WhatsApp calls on Android and iPhone.
What is an IP Address, and what is its importance in WhatsApp calls?
IP Address (Internet Protocol Address) is a unique identity that identifies your device on the Internet. When you make a WhatsApp call, especially in peer-to-peer calling, the app creates a direct connection between the two users, which increases the chances of IP address leaking.
Dangers of IP Address Leak in WhatsApp Calls
Location Tracking: Someone can know your geographical location with the help of your IP.
DDoS attack: Hackers can target your network through the IP address.
Digital surveillance: Government or third parties can monitor your activities.
How to hide IP address during WhatsApp calls on Android
1. Turn off Peer-to-Peer calling from WhatsApp settings
WhatsApp has provided a feature for IP protection that you can turn on:
Steps:
1. Open WhatsApp.
2. Tap on the three dots at the top right.
3. Go to Settings > Privacy > Advanced.
4. Turn on the “Protect IP address in calls” option.
This will make your call go through the WhatsApp server first and avoid a direct connection.
2. Use VPN
VPN (Virtual Private Network) masks your IP address and sends traffic through a secure server.
Top VPN Apps for Android:
NordVPN
ExpressVPN
ProtonVPN (with Free Plan)
Surfshark
Note: When choosing a VPN, keep in mind features like a no-log policy and military-grade encryption.
Ways to hide IP address during WhatsApp calls on iPhone
1. Turn on WhatsApp’s IP Protection setting
Recently, WhatsApp has also rolled out the IP Hide feature for iOS users.
Steps:
1. Open the WhatsApp app.
2. Tap the Settings tab at the bottom right.
3. Go to Privacy > Advanced.
4. Enable Protect IP Address in Calls.
2. Use a trusted VPN for iOS
How to set up VPN on iPhone:
1. Download a VPN app (like ExpressVPN, ProtonVPN) from the App Store.
2. Open the app and create an account.
3. Choose a server location and tap Connect.
4. Now you can make WhatsApp calls without revealing your real IP address.
IP Protection for WhatsApp Web and Desktop Calls
Even if you make calls from WhatsApp Web or the Desktop App, there is a possibility of IP address leak. For this:
Install VPN on your computer.
Use Privacy Extensions in your browser.
If you are making calls from your computer, set up Firewall Rules so that only the necessary ports are open.
Additional Tips to Protect Your IP Address
1. Don’t make calls from public Wi-Fi
Your IP and data can be easily intercepted on public networks. Always use trusted Wi-Fi or your mobile data.
2. Update apps regularly
Keep WhatsApp and VPN apps updated to the latest version to get new security features.
3. Don’t call strangers
If you make a WhatsApp call to an unknown person, they may know your IP address (if IP protection is not turned on). Always check the security settings first.
Are WhatsApp calls 100% safe?
WhatsApp offers end-to-end encryption, but IP address security is a different matter. If you follow the above-mentioned measures, you can avoid IP leaks to a large extent. However, if you want extreme security, you can also try secure calling apps like Signal or Wire.
Conclusion: Why IP Address Security is Important in WhatsApp Calls
Data privacy is the need of the hour. IP address leaks in WhatsApp calls can cause digital threats to you. Therefore, it is important that you:
Turn on WhatsApp’s IP Protection setting
Use a strong and reliable VPN
Don’t ignore updates and precautions
With just a few simple steps, you can secure your digital existence to a great extent.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Protecting IP Address on WhatsApp Calls
Q1: Can my IP address be leaked during a WhatsApp call?
Answer: Yes, if you have not turned on WhatsApp’s “Protect IP Address in Calls” setting, your IP address may be visible to the other person during peer-to-peer calling.
Q2: Where can I find the option to hide IP address in WhatsApp?
Answer:
Android: WhatsApp > Settings > Privacy > Advanced > “Protect IP address in calls”
iPhone: WhatsApp > Settings > Privacy > Advanced > “Protect IP address in calls”
Q3: Does VPN completely secure WhatsApp calls?
Answer: VPN hides your real IP address and sends data through an encrypted tunnel. This makes both calls and data more secure, but the app’s settings must be enabled.
Q4: Can an IP address be leaked on WhatsApp Web or Desktop as well?
Answer: Yes, your IP address is visible to the other person even when using WhatsApp Web and desktop apps, so use a VPN on your computer as well.
Q.5: Which VPN apps are good for both Android and iPhone?
Answer:
ExpressVPN
NordVPN
ProtonVPN (also available for free)
Surfshark
All these apps are available on both Android and iOS and offer strong privacy features.
Q.6: Does turning on “Protect IP address in calls” affect call quality?
Answer: Yes, sometimes there may be a slight latency or slight change in call quality due to the call going through the server, but it is very important for security.
Q.7: Is the Signal app more secure than WhatsApp?
Answer: Yes, the Signal app offers more advanced features to hide IP address, such as Relay Calls through Signal Server, which further strengthens your privacy.
