WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.33.4: what's new?

WhatsApp has released a new Android update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.25.33.4.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is working on a feature that lets users apply strict security settings to their accounts, and it will be available in a future update!

WhatsApp Explores New Account Security Settings For Added Protection

In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.20.16 update, we announced that a security feature to block messages from unknown accounts was available. This functionality helps users reduce spam and unwanted messages by automatically detecting and filtering high volumes of activity from unfamiliar senders. It specifically targets accounts that send an unusually large number of messages in a short period, giving users greater control over incoming communications. This feature enhances message safety by preventing potentially harmful or intrusive content from reaching users' chats.

It appears that WhatsApp remains committed to introducing additional security options that strengthen user protection. In particular, WhatsApp is developing a new lockdown-style mode update focused on those who believe they may be a target of sophisticated cyber potential attacks, offering them greater control over their communication safety. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.33.4 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is working on a feature that lets users apply strict security settings to their accounts!

WhatsApp is Developing Feature For Users at Risk of Cyber Attacks

WhatsApp is developing a new feature designed to help users who believe they may be at risk of a cyber attack, scheduled for release in a future update. Although its name may change before the official release, its purpose and role within WhatsApp's security framework are already clear. This option locks several existing WhatsApp privacy settings to a more strict and limited level, and it acts as a security check-up. By enabling it, users instantly strengthen their defenses against potential threats without manually adjusting multiple settings. The feature consolidates key privacy, security, and account protections under one single switch for simplicity and convenience.

With this functionality, WhatsApp aims to make strong protection accessible to all users, including those less familiar with technology. Once activated, it automatically applies the most secure configurations currently offered by the platform. In addition to these baseline protections, a few new settings have been added to address communication from unknown or suspicious accounts. These additions specifically target the kind of interactions that usually cause the greatest concern for users who fear being targeted.

Media and Attachments Blocked from Unknown Senders

One of the most important settings introduced under the strict security account options is the ability to block media and attachments from unknown senders. When enabled, this feature prevents photos, videos, documents, and voice notes from being automatically downloaded if they come from an unrecognized contact. This helps users avoid malicious files that could contain harmful links or embedded malware. Although WhatsApp already warns users to be cautious when opening files from unknown contacts, this feature takes it a step further by directly blocking the download.

The feature will ensure that communication with unknown accounts remains limited to basic text messages only, reducing the potential entry points for attacks. WhatsApp included this option to minimize the spread of phishing or hacking attempts disguised as media content. By automatically filtering non-text attachments, the feature will give users greater control over what reaches their device. It is designed to act as a proactive defense layer, stopping potentially harmful media before it ever appears in a chat.

Link Previews Disabled for Enhanced Protection

Another security measure in this update will disable link previews in chats. Normally, WhatsApp generates a small preview image and metadata when a link is shared, but this process involves contacting the external website. To help protect users' IP addresses from being inferred by third-party websites, previews will no longer be generated when this setting is enabled. This prevents potential attackers from gaining information about a user's device or location when link previews are generated directly from websites for messages you send through simple link sharing.

This option is already available separately in the app's privacy settings, allowing users to enable it manually. However, WhatsApp will include it directly in the strict security account set to ensure consistent protection for those at higher risk. It seems that WhatsApp classifies this as a security setting because it helps prevent indirect data leaks that could compromise user privacy. By eliminating automatic link previews, users can maintain complete control over what information is exposed online.

Silence Unknown Callers to Stop 0-Click Attacks

The silence unknown callers feature ensures that calls from phone numbers not saved in a user's contacts are muted by default. These calls will still appear in the Calls tab, allowing users to review them later if necessary. This prevents interruptions and reduces the risk of exposure to spam or scam attempts. More importantly, it helps the app block 0-click attacks: malicious calls designed to exploit vulnerabilities without user interaction.

While WhatsApp continues improving its systems to prevent such attacks by default, this option represents the final layer of user control. By silencing unknown callers, potential attackers lose a direct communication channel to the target's device. This feature is already available separately within the app's privacy settings for calls. WhatsApp will include it in the strict security account settings to ensure that high-risk users automatically benefit from stronger protection without needing to configure it manually.

Only Contacts Can Add You to Groups

Another valuable protection setting limits who can add a user to group chats. When enabled, only contacts already saved in the user's phone can invite them to a group. This prevents unwanted additions to spam groups or those created to spread phishing messages. It will help users remain in control of their communication networks, as group invitations from unknown numbers are delivered privately, allowing the user to decide whether to join instead of being added automatically.

By blocking group invitations from unknown accounts, WhatsApp minimizes the chance of exposure to malicious or deceptive content. This feature is especially important for people who may be targeted by coordinated spam or harassment campaigns. This option is already available separately within WhatsApp's privacy settings, where users can manually restrict who can add them to groups. However, WhatsApp will enforce this configuration under the strict security account settings to ensure maximum protection for users who might overlook or forget to enable it.

Security Notifications for Changing Codes

Security notifications alert users whenever a contact's security code changes in an end-to-end encrypted chat. These codes confirm that conversations remain private between the same devices. If a code changes unexpectedly, it may indicate that the contact has reinstalled WhatsApp, switched devices, or made other account-related changes. This notification allows users to verify the authenticity of their communication partners quickly.

While this feature is already available separately, adding it to the strict security account settings ensures that high-risk users remain informed about any encryption changes with the person they're chatting with. It enables them to respond promptly by verifying contact details or temporarily pausing sensitive conversations. For example, if a user notices that a contact's security code has changed, they can call the person directly to confirm it's still them using the same WhatsApp account. This simple verification step helps ensure that private conversations remain secure and authentic.

Two-Step Account Verification for Extra Protection

Two-step verification adds a PIN-based authentication layer when users attempt to register their number again on WhatsApp. This prevents unauthorized access even if someone gains temporary control over a SIM card or device. By requiring a personal PIN, users ensure that only they can re-activate their account. It is a critical barrier against account hijacking and identity theft.

WhatsApp included this setting in the strict security account settings to help users retain complete control over their identity. It is particularly important for users who suspect they may be targets of certain phishing attempts. With two-step verification active, attackers cannot gain access or impersonate the account owner. Although this feature is already available separately, WhatsApp has integrated it into the strict security account set to ensure that users at higher risk have this essential protection enabled by default.

Restricting Personal Information Visibility for Privacy

Users can already choose to let only their contacts see personal details such as profile photo, status, about, last seen, and online presence. This privacy feature greatly reduces exposure to strangers who might use this information for malicious purposes. Limiting visibility ensures that sensitive account activity is not accessible to potential attackers or scammers.

When users enable strict account settings, the app will automatically set all personal information to be visible only to contacts. This will guarantee maximum privacy without requiring users to manually adjust each individual option. This addition is particularly useful for users who operate in high-risk environments where exposing profile details could attract unwanted attention. As a result, it helps ensure that sensitive information cannot be exploited for tracking or impersonation purposes.

Protecting IP Address in Calls for Added Privacy

The option to protect your IP address in calls ensures that all calls are securely relayed through WhatsApp servers. This makes it harder for others to infer your approximate location from your IP information. Although the call quality may slightly decrease, the trade-off delivers significantly stronger privacy protection. It's particularly valuable for users who believe they are being monitored or tracked, as it prevents others from identifying their approximate location through IP data during calls.

WhatsApp included this feature to enhance privacy during peer-to-peer calls, where IP addresses could otherwise be exposed. Relaying calls through its own servers means attackers cannot identify or log user IPs, while end-to-end encryption remains fully preserved. This option has actually been available separately for several years as part of WhatsApp's advanced privacy settings. Similar relaying mechanisms are also offered by other instant messaging apps, confirming its effectiveness as an industry-standard protection method.

Strict Security Mode: Locked Options for Consistent Protection

When users enable the new strict security account settings, certain options will become locked to maintain consistent protection. This restriction prevents accidental or unauthorized changes that could weaken the overall security configuration. Locking key settings will ensure that all activated protections work together without conflict, providing a stable and reliable defense. However, users will be able to disable the strict account settings at any time if they prefer to regain full control over individual privacy and security options.

Choosing Whether to Enable Strict Security Account Settings

Activating the strict security account settings will be entirely optional. Additionally, it intended for niche-specific users who may be more likely to be a target of sophisticated cyber attacks want an extra layer of protection. Most people can continue using WhatsApp safely without enabling it, as the app already applies strong default security measures. This new option will simply offer added reassurance for those who feel they may be at higher risk of cyber attacks. As a result, most users will not need to activate this feature since existing privacy and security systems already provide comprehensive protection for everyday communication. Whether enabled or not, WhatsApp will continue to protect all users with end-to-end encryption and ongoing security updates.

Release Timeline for Strict Account Settings Feature on WhatsApp for Android

The strict security account settings feature is currently under early development and has not yet been released to beta testers. At the moment, WhatsApp is working on the necessary groundwork to integrate the feature into a future update of WhatsApp for Android. Since it has not appeared in any beta build so far, there is no confirmed release date available. However, its early discovery suggests that WhatsApp plans to introduce it in an upcoming beta phase before eventually rolling it out to all users.

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