How to Keep Your WhatsApp About Private from Certain Contacts

ByJim Miller

When you first join WhatsApp, you're prompted to share a few details about yourself in the “About” section. However, there may be times when you don't want everyone on your contact list to see this information. Whether it's for privacy reasons or simply to keep certain details hidden, WhatsApp now allows you to hide your About info from specific contacts.

Hiding WhatsApp About from Specific Contacts

The majority of WhatsApp users use the About section to mention their current status (available/busy/at school, etc.). Some frequent travelers even update their current location in this section. Thanks to WhatsApp's new privacy tools, you don't need to remove someone from your contact list to hide your About status. Instead, you can simply exclude specific contacts and prevent them from seeing your About info.

WhatsApp for iOS and Android have different user interfaces, so the steps to hide your About info vary on each platform. Let's start with WhatsApp for iOS.

Update WhatsApp on iPhone and Android

Before you get started, make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp installed. Open the Google Play Store (Android) or the App Store (iPhone) and search for WhatsApp. Install any pending updates, and you should see new privacy options in the app.

WhatsApp for iOS

Follow the step-by-step instructions below to hide your WhatsApp About from specific contacts on your iPhone.

  1. Open WhatsApp on your iPhone.
  2. Tap on the Settings gear icon in the bottom right corner.
  3. Select Account.
  4. Open the Privacy menu.
  5. Choose the About menu to make changes.

You have four options to choose from:

  • Everyone: This is the default privacy option, allowing anyone, whether they're on your contact list or not, to see your WhatsApp About info.
  • My Contacts: Only your contacts can see your WhatsApp About info.
  • My Contacts Except: This option lets you exclude select contacts from viewing your About status.
  • None: No one can see your WhatsApp About info.
  1. Select My Contacts Except, which will open your WhatsApp contact list.
  2. Tap the radio button next to the contacts you want to hide your About info from.
  3. Select the Done button in the top right corner.

The contacts you've selected will no longer be able to see your WhatsApp About info.

WhatsApp for Android

WhatsApp for Android has a different user interface compared to iOS. Here's how you can hide your WhatsApp About from specific contacts on Android.

  1. Launch WhatsApp on your Android device.
  2. Tap on the three-dot menu in the top right corner.
  3. Open the Settings menu.
  4. Select Account and open the Privacy menu.
  5. Go to the About menu.
  6. You'll see the same four options as mentioned earlier.
  7. Tap on the radio button next to My contacts except.
  8. Select contacts from the menu that appears and tap the checkmark in the bottom right corner.

What Happens When You Hide WhatsApp About from Specific Contacts

When you hide your WhatsApp About info from specific contacts, you also won't be able to see their About info. However, this doesn't affect other aspects of your WhatsApp profile. Your contacts can still see your last seen status and profile picture on the platform. If you want to hide your last seen status and display picture as well, you can use the same privacy menu in WhatsApp to make the necessary changes.

Explore WhatsApp's Privacy Options

With the latest privacy add-ons, WhatsApp has caught up to other messaging apps like Telegram and Signal. By following the tricks mentioned above, you can make the relevant changes and keep your WhatsApp information hidden from prying eyes.