WhatsApp: How to prevent access to contacts

As an instant messenger for the smartphone, WhatsApp has already been established for several years. When you have downloaded and installed the app, you will be asked for numerous access rights. But you can also restrict WhatsApp's access to contacts.

How to prevent WhatsApp from accessing your contacts

WhatsApp is available for every popular mobile operating system, and you simply download the app to your smartphone from an app store. Once the software is downloaded and installed, you need to confirm your account with your phone number and an SMS. After that, you will be asked for the different access rights that the app needs to allow you to use it. If you allow access to your contacts, you run the risk of giving out data of others to WhatsApp who could not give consent.

1. In WhatsApp itself there is no way to prohibit access, but you can prevent access either through the settings or through another app.
2. There are numerous apps for this, such as "XPrivacy", which help you to prevent WhatsApp from accessing your contacts.
3. Under iOS, however, you can also restrict access via "Settings > Privacy" and then "Contacts". Here, simply deactivate the button on WhatsApp.
4. Also on Android, this is possible via the settings. However, this is only possible with a newer version of the operating system. Go to "Apps > WhatsApp > Permissions". Disable the corresponding button here as well.