Special WhatsApp report feature lets you see everything the app knows about you

Despite offering end-to-end encrypted messaging, WhatsApp still keeps tabs on its users—and will even generate a special report telling you everything it knows about you.

Like Facebook, the app gathers information on your usage. However, because of its privacy features, this metadata is limited to things like your contacts, the groups you've joined, your device type, your IP address, and even the numbers you've blocked.

If you ever get into trouble with the law, this information could be handed to the authorities, so it's important to get a lid on exactly how much data the encrypted messaging app has on you.

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How to view your WhatsApp report

You can view what WhatsApp knows about you in a few easy steps.

All you have to do is open the mobile app, then tap the three dots in the corner of the screen.

Open Settings > Account > Request Account Info

Then, just tap Request Report and wait for the notification telling you that your request has sent.

After about three days, you'll get a notification letting you know you can download the report. It will say "Your account info report is now available."

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You only have a limited amount of time to download the report before it's deleted however. You can then export it elsewhere or delete it.

An additional feature lets you see exactly how many messages you've sent since getting the app.

If you hit the Storage and Data tab in Settings and click Network Usage, you'll see a number appear next to each conversation you've had on the message platform.

If you're a regular user of the app, this could number in the hundreds of thousands.

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