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My IP can be seen by a Whatsapp contact using the netstat command. Can a VPN hide my real IP to them? Or their netstat will still show my real IP?

Datapink
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    *"My IP can be seen by a Whatsapp contact using the netstat command."* - are you sure? I don't think so. See also https://security.stackexchange.com/questions/98050/does-whatsapp-disclose-the-senders-ip-address – Steffen Ullrich May 22 '22 at 05:11
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    Does this answer your question? [Does WhatsApp disclose the sender's IP address?](https://security.stackexchange.com/questions/98050/does-whatsapp-disclose-the-senders-ip-address) – Wouter Aug 07 '22 at 15:46

2 Answers2

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When messaging, WhatsApp contacts cannot see your IP address. WhatsApp itself can, of course. When making VoIP calls using WhatsApp, your IP might be visible to the contact.

Yes, you could in theory hide this using a VPN. You just have to ensure your VPN is configured correctly, and all internet communication on your phone is relayed through the VPN (before installing WhatsApp).

Wouter
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  • "*A WhatsApp contact cannot see your IP address.*" Also not when calling? Even privacy messengers like Signal do that unless you explicitly go into the settings and check to always use a proxy for calls. A quick google indeed reveals that: https://security.stackexchange.com/questions/98050/does-whatsapp-disclose-the-senders-ip-address – Luc Aug 07 '22 at 15:58
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    @Luc, thanks. I read the question by mistake as concerning a WhatsApp messaging contact, I have now reflected that VoIP might reveal the IP address. – Wouter Aug 07 '22 at 16:06
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Can a VPN hide my IP on Whatsapp?

That's what a VPN does, so yes.

Luc
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