Overview
- Activating the setting forces two‑step verification, locks security alerts, and limits profile and online visibility to contacts.
- WhatsApp blocks files from unknown senders, disables link previews, mutes calls from unfamiliar numbers, and hides IP addresses during calls.
- Only the primary device on an account can switch the mode on or off, which may affect multi‑device workflows.
- The feature is rolling out over the coming weeks on iOS and Android and is located under Settings > Privacy > Advanced.
- Meta advises turning it on mainly during acute threat periods, such as spikes in messages from unknown contacts.