Warning to millions of Android and iPhone owners – your texts may be read by strangers

MILLIONS of iPhone and Android owners should be on high alert to WhatsApp ‘clones’.

Make sure you’re using the right app – or you could be in serious cyber danger.

1

Some of your most personal conversations happen on WhatsApp.

But it’s possible that when you downloaded the app, you didn’t have the real WhatsApp installed.

Similarly, you may have installed a “clone” on purpose in order to enjoy bonus features.

Now WhatsApp warns about these rogue apps.

“Unofficial WhatsApp apps are modified versions of our app, which means they are developed by third parties and violate our Terms of Service,” WhatsApp warned

“We don’t support these apps because they compromise your privacy and security.

“If you use them, there is no guarantee that your messages or your data such as your location or the files you share will be private and secure.”

Your messages cannot be guaranteed to be safe when using a fake version of WhatsApp.

And you’re violating WhatsApp’s Terms of Service, which can result in you being banned from the app.

You may be using a fake version of WhatsApp on iPhone or Android.

Fortunately, Google warns users when they download a rogue WhatsApp app.

“If you received this Play Protect warning from Google, you are probably using an unauthorized and unofficial version of WhatsApp,” WhatsApp explained.

“For security reasons, Google may disable and uninstall these applications.”

However, do not rely on this system.

You can follow these links to find the official store pages for WhatsApp:

Try WhatsApp Beta instead

If you want additional features, trying the WhatsApp beta is a legitimate way.

WhatsApp is constantly developing new features for the app.

Before going live on the general version of WhatsApp, these changes will be tested in a “beta” version of the app.

This is a special whatsapp where you sign up so you can test new features first.

It’s free to join and gives you instant access to secret features that other people don’t have access to.

To download WhatsApp Beta for your smartphone, you need to go to Google Play on your smartphone Android and search for whatsapp.

Scroll down the page until you see “Become a Beta Tester”.

Tap the “I’m in” button, then tap “Join” to confirm.

Now all you have to do is wait for the update to the beta version of the app.

Participating in the WhatsApp beta on iPhone is more difficult and has a limited capacity.

Follow the official Apple guide here.

The best tips and hacks for phones and gadgets

Looking for tips and hacks for your phone? Want to find these secret features in social media apps? We’ve got you covered…

Get the latest news about WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and other tech gadgets here.

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Tech & Science Team? Email us at tech@the-sun.co.uk