Links in Profile Pictures and Stickers: Myths and Facts
"Don't open the video called X, it will hack your phone." How to separate realistic WhatsApp risks from viral rumours, and the simple habits that cover the real ones.
Every few months, a warning goes viral: a video with a certain name will hack your phone in ten seconds, a new sticker steals your data, a hacker is changing profile pictures. Most of these are hoaxes that recirculate for years. Meanwhile, the scams that actually cost people money go on quietly.
Myths and facts
| Claim | What is realistic |
|---|---|
| "A video called X will hack your phone." | Named-video warnings are almost always hoaxes. Keeping your phone and app updated covers genuine flaws. |
| "Stickers contain viruses." | Ordinary stickers are not a common attack. Be wary of sticker apps from outside official stores. |
| "Hackers can get in through your profile picture." | They cannot. But they can copy it to impersonate you. See profile photo privacy. |
| "Forward this to protect your account." | Forwarding never protects anything. See forwarded messages. |
| "WhatsApp will start charging unless you forward." | A long-running hoax. |
The risks that are real
- Sharing your six-digit code. See the code scam.
- Installing apps sent in chats. See malicious files.
- Entering details on phishing pages. See phishing links.
- Sending money to impostors. See verifying payment requests.
Keep WhatsApp and your phone updated. That single habit covers most technical flaws, whatever the rumour of the week.
More myths: WhatsApp scam myths. For more, see our guide to WhatsApp scams.
Frequently asked questions
Can a video or image on WhatsApp hack my phone?
Security flaws in apps have occasionally been found and fixed. The practical protection is to keep your phone and WhatsApp updated. Viral warnings about specific named videos are usually hoaxes.
Can someone hack me through my profile picture?
Your profile picture cannot give someone access to your phone. It can be copied for impersonation, which is why limiting who sees it helps.
Should I forward the warning to protect my friends?
Check it first. Many warnings are years-old hoaxes, and forwarding them spreads confusion.
Sources
- How to prevent the spread of misinformation, WhatsApp Help Center
- How to protect your account from malware, WhatsApp Help Center
- How to do an internet search on forwarded WhatsApp messages, WhatsApp Help Center
