Introduction

When someone opens your WhatsApp profile, they can usually see more than just your name and profile picture. They may also see your About information—a short text message that often reveals your mood, profession, availability, or personal thoughts.

Many people leave this section unchanged with the default message, while others use it to display quotes, business details, or contact information. However, sharing too much information can compromise your privacy.

WhatsApp gives you full control over who can see your About section. In this guide, you'll learn what the About feature is, how to change it, and how to hide it from specific people or everyone.

What Is the WhatsApp About Section?

The About section is a short line of text displayed on your WhatsApp profile.

Examples include:

  • Available
  • Busy
  • At work
  • In a meeting
  • Sleeping
  • Battery about to die
  • Urgent calls only
  • Living life one day at a time
  • Software Engineer
  • Marketing Manager

Some users write motivational quotes, while businesses may include their working hours or a website.

Why Hide Your About Information?

Although it seems harmless, your About section can reveal more than you intend.

For example:

  • Your work schedule.
  • Your profession.
  • Your availability.
  • Your travel plans.
  • Personal beliefs.
  • Business information.

Hiding it helps protect your privacy and reduces unnecessary attention.

WhatsApp About Privacy Options

WhatsApp provides four visibility settings:

1. Everyone

Anyone who has your phone number can view your About information.

Best for:

  • Public figures
  • Businesses
  • Customer support accounts

2. My Contacts

Only people saved in your contact list can see your About.

This is the recommended setting for most users.

3. My Contacts Except...

Allows you to hide your About from selected contacts while keeping it visible to everyone else in your contacts.

Useful if you want to exclude:

  • Clients
  • Coworkers
  • Former colleagues
  • Certain relatives

4. Nobody

No one can see your About information.

This provides the highest level of privacy.

How to Hide Your About Information on Android

1.    Open WhatsApp.

2.    Tap the three-dot menu.

3.    Select Settings.

4.    Tap Privacy.

5.    Select About.

6.    Choose one of the following:

o   Everyone

o   My Contacts

o   My Contacts Except...

o   Nobody

7.    If you choose My Contacts Except..., select the contacts to exclude.

8.    Tap Done.

The changes take effect immediately.

How to Hide Your About Information on iPhone

1.    Open WhatsApp.

2.    Tap Settings.

3.    Select Privacy.

4.    Tap About.

5.    Choose your preferred privacy option.

6.    If needed, select the contacts to exclude.

7.    Tap Done.

How to Change Your About Message

You can update your About message at any time.

Android

1.    Open WhatsApp.

2.    Tap Settings.

3.    Tap your profile picture.

4.    Select About.

5.    Choose a predefined status or type your own.

6.    Save the changes.

iPhone

1.    Open Settings.

2.    Tap your profile.

3.    Tap About.

4.    Edit the text.

5.    Tap Save.

Best About Messages

If you prefer a professional approach, consider messages like:

  • Available during business hours
  • Please message before calling
  • Working remotely
  • Happy to help
  • Responding as soon as possible
  • Focused on work
  • Learning something new every day

For personal use:

  • Family first
  • Stay positive
  • Life is beautiful
  • Keep smiling
  • One step at a time

Avoid sharing sensitive information such as your address, travel plans, or financial details.

Does Hiding About Affect Other Privacy Settings?

No.

The About setting is independent of:

  • Profile Photo
  • Last Seen
  • Online Status
  • Status Updates
  • Read Receipts

You can configure each privacy setting separately.

Can Blocked Contacts See My About?

No.

Blocked users cannot see your:

  • About information
  • Profile picture
  • Last Seen
  • Online status
  • Status updates

Blocking overrides your privacy settings for that contact.

Common Mistakes

1. Sharing Too Much Information

Avoid posting details that reveal your daily routine or personal life.

2. Leaving Business Information Public

If you include your work role or company details, ensure they're intended for the audience you've chosen.

3. Forgetting to Review Privacy Settings

As your contact list changes, revisit your privacy options to ensure they're still appropriate.

4. Assuming "Nobody" Hides Everything

Choosing Nobody only hides your About information. Other profile elements have separate privacy controls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hide my About from one person?

Yes. Select My Contacts Except... and choose that contact.

Will people know I've hidden my About?

No. They won't receive any notification. They simply won't see your About message.

Can unknown numbers see my About?

Only if you've selected Everyone. If you choose My Contacts, unknown numbers won't have access.

Does WhatsApp Web use the same settings?

Yes. Your About privacy settings apply across Android, iPhone, WhatsApp Web, and Desktop.

Can I leave my About section blank?

Yes. You can remove your custom message and leave it empty if you prefer.

Pro Tips

  • Use My Contacts instead of Everyone for better privacy.
  • Update your About message only when necessary.
  • Avoid including your phone number, email address, or location.
  • Combine this setting with Profile Photo and Last Seen privacy controls for a stronger overall privacy setup.
  • Review your privacy settings after major WhatsApp updates, as new options may be introduced.

Conclusion

Your WhatsApp About section is a small but visible part of your profile. By choosing who can view it, you reduce unnecessary exposure of personal or professional information. Whether you prefer sharing a motivational quote, a business message, or nothing at all, WhatsApp's privacy controls let you decide exactly who gets to see it.

Next Article: How to Hide Your WhatsApp Status from SpecificContacts (Complete Guide)