Anyone who uses WhatsApp knows that the messaging service regularly adds new functionality to make it more attractive to users. Sometimes there are so many updates that you can't keep up. A new function now aims to protect the IP address of mobile phones. We'll show you how to activate it and what advantages it offers you!
WhatsApp is back with a new feature for its users. Now you can protect your phone's IP address. This function has been around since October 2023, but it is not yet known to many. But don't worry, we'll show you how to set up the function in no time.
The new IP protection does not automatically apply to your cell phone when you update, but must be explicitly enabled.
In the clip: Your preview of the new WhatsApp feature “Event Planning”
What is the advantage?
Since people now not only use text messages a lot on WhatsApp but also make at least many calls, the IT staff of WhatsApp has developed this new functionality.
WhatsApp calls are made through direct peer-to-peer communications between participants. The advantage is that the data transfer is fast and the call quality is simply better.
Good to know: IP address can be viewed
In normal calls, call participants must know the other person's IP address in order for data packets to be forwarded to the correct device. This means: Every time we make a call via WhatsApp, the person we are talking to also receives our IP address.
An IP address reveals a lot about us. For example, our website and even our Internet service provider. This is also why many WhatsApp users use a VPN service to hide their IP address. The new WhatsApp function completely addresses this issue and provides a remedy for it.
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How do I set up the new functionality?
If users activate the new function, all calls made via WhatsApp will also be forwarded through WhatsApp servers. This means that in the future, conversation partners will see the server's IP address instead of the cell phone's IP address.
The good thing is that WhatsApp chats and WhatsApp calls are end-to-end encrypted. This means that Meta cannot listen to conversations.
To set the new functionality, you have to tweak it a bit, because Meta has hidden it a bit. But we'll show you how it's done.
Hide IP address:
- Launch the WhatsApp app and go to Settings
- Then click on “Data Protection”
- Here you have to scroll down until you find “Advanced”.
- Here you will find “IP address protection in calls”
- And voila! Now your IP address is protected during calls.
WhatsApp may indicate that call forwarding is affecting the quality of your calls. Then try calling someone briefly and check if the quality and connection are stable.
