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How to Check if Whatsapp Web Is Fake or Spying on You?

Thanks to its huge popularity, WhatsApp Web is the go-to messaging client for many people who prefer communicating via PC. But do you know that your WhatsApp Web client can be fake or even set up to spy on you? Well, the giant has now released an extension called Code Verify that lets you verify whether your WhatsApp Web is safe or not. Here’s how it works.

Related | 6 Ways to Fix No Audio from Voice Messages on WhatsApp Web in Chrome

Check if WhatsApp Web is Fake Or Spying On You

Last year, WhatsApp introduced the multi-device capability, allowing it to be used on multiple devices without dependency on the mobile app. And now, the giant has released a new extension called Code Verify to add an additional layer of security for its web version. Here’s everything you need to know about it.


What is Code Verify- How it Works?

CodeVerify is an open-source extension available for Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Brave, and Firefox browsers. The extension checks the authenticity of the WhatsApp Web client being served to you. It then alerts if your WhatsApp Web is modified or altered in any manner.

For apps on the phone, it’s easy to check whether you’re using an authentic version. However, the same is difficult for web-based implementation. When you use WhatsApp via the web, you’re served Javascript and not a binary application.

This makes it vulnerable, and you could be possibly be using Whatsapp Web made to spy on you without even knowing the difference.

Whatsapp has partnered with Cloudflare to verify that everyone using WhatsApp Web is accessing the same code. The extension scans the Javascript code to ensure it matches the original code. If there’s any difference, it will immediately alert you.

How to Use Code Verify to Check if WhatsApp Web is Safe

Step 1: Visit the Code Verify extension page in your browser. Click on Add to Chrome.

Code Verify- Check WhatsApp Web is Fake or Spying

If you’re using Firefox, visit the add-on page here.

Step 2: Tap Add Extension when prompted to confirm.

Code Verify- Check WhatsApp Web is Fake or Spying

Step 3: Open the Extension menu in the toolbar and Pin the Code Verify Extension.

Step 4: Now, open WhatsApp Web in the browser. Do not sign in yet.

Step 5: Tap the extension icon at the top right corner.

Code Verify- Check WhatsApp Web is Fake or Spying

Step 6: Code Verify will now scan and verify your WhatsApp Web. If everything is right, it’ll show “Validated” followed by “Web page code verified.”

If the extension fails to validate the page code, you’ll see either of the following messages:

WhatsApp Web Code Verify Failed
  • Network Timed Out: The page can’t be validated because your network has timed out. Code Verify extension will show an orange circle with a question mark.
  • Possible Risk Detected: One or more of your extensions is interfering withthe extension’s ability to verify the page. It will display an orange circle with a question mark.
  • Validation Failure: The extension has detected that the code your WhatsApp Web is running is not the same as the code everyone else is using. You will see a red circle with an an exclamation mark.

FAQ Around WhatsApp Code Verify

1. Is Code Verify Extension Safe?

The Code Verify extension has been released in Chrome Web Store by Meta- the parent company of WhatsApp. It is safe, provided you’re installing the original extension.

2. Can Code Verify Extension Read Your WhatsApp Messages?

According to WhatsApp, the Code Verify extension simply checks the underlying code on WhatsApp Web. It does not read or access the messages you send or receive. Furthermore, WhatsApp won’t know if you have downloaded the extension.

3. Code Verify Extension is Not Working?

If the Code Verify extension is not working, make sure you use a compatible browser. Also, try uninstalling or disabling other extensions which might be interfering.

4. Is “Code Verify” Privacy Friendly?

On its support page, Whatsapp mentions, “The extension doesn’t log any data, metadata, or user data, and it doesn’t share any information with WhatsApp. It also doesn’t read or access the messages you send or receive.” You can read it here.

5. Does Code Verify Work on WhatsApp Desktop App?

Code Verify is designed to work only inside the browser. You don’t need it for the desktop app- all you need to make sure is that your WhatsApp Web is downloaded from the official website.

Wrapping Up

This was all about what Code Verify is and how you can use it to check if your WhatsApp Web is fake or used to spy on you. I hope the guide solves all your queries around it. If you still have any doubts, feel free to reach out via comments. Stay tuned for more informative content.

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Ritik Singh

Ritik is the Managing Editor at BrowserToUse. He is responsible for managing the website, developing the content strategy, and overseeing the articles to make sure they’re as informative as possible. He is mainly into smartphones, wearables, and IoT devices. Putting work aside, he has a great interest in personal finance and is also a keen motorcycle enthusiast.