Rakuten Viber Safety Settings

Rakuten Viber safety settings help families, eligible teens and adults manage private chats, calls, groups and public Communities. Young people may use it for family or friendship conversations. However, public spaces, paid calling and AI have different risks from private messaging. This guide explains full privacy, security and reporting steps.

Age Rating and Child Safety Warning

Viber is not intended for children under 13. Some services have higher age requirements, including adult spaces and financial or dating features. Therefore, use the genuine age and do not treat parent permission as access to every feature.

In the EEA, including Ireland, under 16 accounts have protective defaults for photos, invitations and personal data choices. However, some profile and group defaults can be changed by the user.

Age declaration is not an identity or safety guarantee. App store ratings also differ from minimum account age and suitability of a particular Community.

Read Viber age and younger account rules for the applicable account rules and requirements.

Restrictions Available

This service does not offer an enforced parent account dashboard for ordinary accounts. Instead, combine the controls below with device restrictions and regular conversations.

Rakuten Viber Safety Settings and Why They Matter

Rakuten Viber safety settings: profile and activity privacy

A profile image or birthday can reveal unnecessary personal information. Similarly, activity indicators can create pressure to reply.

• Open More, then Settings and Privacy.
• Restrict Show your photo to contacts and turn off Share your birth date where offered.
• Review Share Online status and Send Seen status separately.
• Edit your profile through More and use an avatar or another non identifying picture where practical.

Why it matters: Ordinary groups can expose phone numbers. However, a hidden activity indicator does not prevent messages or copying.

Official guidance: Rakuten Viber safety settings: profile and activity privacy.

Rakuten Viber safety settings: restrict group invitations

Group additions can connect an eligible teen with unfamiliar people. Therefore, review invitations separately from the existing membership.

• Open More, then Settings, Privacy and Control who can add you to groups.
• Choose My contacts rather than Anyone.
• Open existing group information and review members. Leave unsuitable groups through their information screen.

Why it matters: Some younger account defaults can be changed by the user. Also check groups with contacts who may add unfamiliar people.

Official guidance: Rakuten Viber safety settings: restrict group invitations.

Rakuten Viber Safety Settings: set up two step verification and recovery

A verification PIN protects new device activation and sensitive account changes. However, its recovery email needs secure access.

• Open More, then Settings, Privacy and 2-step verification.
• Enter a six digit PIN, select Next, repeat the PIN and select Next.
• Confirm an email you control or enter the correct address, then continue and complete any verification prompt.
• If you forget the PIN, use Forgot PIN and the recovery email rather than repeatedly guessing.

Why it matters: Repeated wrong attempts can lock activation or settings. Therefore, store the PIN securely and keep the recovery email current.

Official guidance: Set up two step verification and recovery.

Verify encryption with trusted contacts

A trusted contact check compares encryption identities. However, it does not establish that the person’s behaviour is safe.

• Both people open More, then Settings, Privacy and Trusted Contacts.
• Call the person and ask both participants to tap the grey shield.
• Compare the displayed identification keys through a trusted method. If they match, select Trust this contact.
• If a later alert shows a changed key, independently check the reason before trusting it again.

Why it matters: A phone change can legitimately change the key. Also distinguish private encrypted chats from public Communities and Channels.

Official guidance: Verify encryption with trusted contacts.

Rakuten Viber safety settings: block unwanted contacts

Blocking limits contact from a selected number. However, shared group membership can remain visible.

• Open More, then Settings, Privacy and Block list.
• Use the add option to select the contact or enter the number, then confirm the block.
• Alternatively, open the person’s chat information and use Block this contact.

Why it matters: The block list can be lost after reinstallation. Therefore, review it again after a device change and leave unsuitable shared spaces.

Official guidance: Rakuten Viber safety settings: block unwanted contacts.

Rakuten Viber Safety Settings: keep spam checking and review message requests

Spam checking can assess unfamiliar messages. However, no automated check identifies every harmful link or request.

• Open More, then Settings and Privacy. Enable Auto spam check where offered.
• Review Message requests in the privacy area or request inbox before accepting unfamiliar contact.
• Use the unknown chat’s Block and report spam option when offered, then read the confirmation.

Why it matters: Verify urgent financial requests independently. Also remember that accepting a request can open a continuing contact route.

Official guidance: Keep spam checking and review message requests.

Silence unknown callers and protect call privacy

Android offers an unknown caller silence option. In addition, peer to peer calls can disclose an IP address.

• On Android, open More, Settings and Calls and messages. Enable Silence unknown callers.
• For supported private calls, open More, Settings and Privacy. Turn off Use Peer-to-peer if appropriate.

Why it matters: Silenced calls remain in recent lists and relaying can reduce quality. Therefore, do not treat silencing as a block.

Official guidance: Silence unknown callers and protect call privacy.

Rakuten Viber Safety Settings: choose disappearing messages deliberately

Temporary display cannot stop another camera retaining content. Therefore, discuss safeguarding and retention first.

• Open the chat information and Disappearing messages. On desktop, use the timer icon.
• Choose a duration or Off. For new private chats, review More, Settings, Privacy and Disappearing messages by default.

Why it matters: Other participants can change the timer. Also note that Communities, Channels and some tablet or regional clients do not support the feature.

Official guidance: Choose disappearing messages deliberately.

Understand Hidden chats and the PIN

Hidden chats limit casual visibility, but are not a child safeguarding tool. However, forgetting their PIN can have destructive consequences.

• In Chats, hold the conversation on Android or swipe left on iPhone.
• Select Hide chat, then enter or create the requested four digit PIN.
• Review the PIN through More, Settings, Privacy and Hidden chats.

Why it matters: Resetting the PIN deletes hidden chat history. Hiding also clears linked device history, so do not use it to conceal harmful contact.

Official guidance: Understand Hidden chats and the PIN.

Rakuten Viber Safety Settings: review location attachments and permissions

A location pin reveals a place to recipients. Therefore, use it only for a clear agreed purpose.

• Before sharing, review the chat’s Plus, then Location attachment and intended recipient.
• If location access is unnecessary, open the phone’s Viber app permissions and restrict Location.

Why it matters: Removing permission cannot erase a pin already sent or a copied map. Also avoid revealing a home or school.

Official guidance: Review location attachments and permissions.

Restrict analytics, personalisation and accurate location

These choices control some data use, rather than the content of private encrypted chats. In addition, younger accounts have protective defaults.

• Open More, then Settings, Privacy and Personal data.
• Review Collect analytics, Allow content personalization and Allow accurate location-based services.
• Turn unnecessary options off and restart Viber if the displayed instructions request it.

Why it matters: A service data choice differs from the operating system’s location permission. Therefore, review both rather than assuming one switch controls everything.

Official guidance: Restrict analytics, personalisation and accurate location.

Rakuten Viber Safety Settings: review advertising choices separately

Advertising preferences can involve Viber data and third party data. However, opting out of personalisation does not remove every advert.

• Open More, then Settings, Privacy and Personal data.
• Open Manage ad preferences where offered and review Viber, third party and vendor choices separately.
• Decline unnecessary personalised advertising and save the choices. On iPhone, also review Settings, Privacy & Security and Tracking.

Why it matters: Labels and options differ by country and age. Also remember that paid ad removal is not a safety guarantee.

Official guidance: Review advertising choices separately.

Remove unused desktops and tablets

Connected devices can display private messages. However, deactivation can delete local history and data on that device.

• Open More, then Settings, Account and Desktop and tablets.
• Select the unused or unfamiliar device and Deactivate. Enter the verification PIN if requested.
• Read the deletion warning before confirming, then review remaining devices.

Why it matters: Removing access does not erase someone’s earlier copies. Therefore, secure every device you continue using.

Official guidance: Remove unused desktops and tablets.

Rakuten Viber Safety Settings: limit automatic media and notification previews

Automatic media can save unwanted files, while previews can expose text. However, the exact options depend on the phone.

• Open More, Settings and Media. Disable unnecessary Save to gallery and network auto downloads.
• Open Notifications separately and disable Show message preview if appropriate.

Why it matters: Manual downloads still need caution. Also review the operating system’s locked screen notification display.

Official guidance: Limit automatic media and notification previews.

Review Communities, Channels, bots and AI

Public spaces differ from private encrypted chats. Similarly, bots and AI can involve separate operators.

• Open the space’s information, then review its purpose, rules, administrators and membership.
• Leave unsuitable Communities or Channels through their information menu. Use the offered reporting option for prohibited content.
• Before using a bot or ChatGPT powered feature, read its displayed provider and privacy information. Decline unnecessary personal, location or account access.

Why it matters: An age label or AI answer does not establish suitability. Also avoid intimate material, login codes and financial information in prompts.

Official guidance: Review Communities, Channels, bots and AI.

Cancel plans and automatic credit top ups

Viber Out and Plus have separate recurring billing. However, ordinary privacy controls do not require a paid subscription.

• For a card billed Viber Out plan, open More, then Viber Out, select the plan and Cancel plan. Select Confirm.
• For a store billed plan, select Manage plan, then the subscription in the billing store and complete Cancel Subscription.
• For automatic credit top ups, open More, Viber Out and My account, then select Disable and confirm.
• Review Viber Plus and any other subscriptions separately through their billing provider.

Why it matters: Deactivation does not automatically cancel all billing. Therefore, keep the cancellation confirmation and check the renewal date.

Official guidance: Cancel plans and automatic credit top ups.

Request account data or remove stored personal data

An account data report is not a copy of private encrypted chats. In addition, deleting stored data does not close the account.

• Open More, then Settings, Privacy and Personal data.
• Select Request your data, then Continue and Confirm. Keep the delivered file private.
• For removal, use Delete your data, then read the displayed consequences before the deletion confirmations.

Why it matters: Some technical, payment or service records can remain. Also cancel billing separately and avoid uploading the report to an unknown online viewer.

Official guidance: Request account data or remove stored personal data.

Back up deliberately or deactivate an account

A chat backup and account deactivation have different effects. However, a cloud backup does not have the same protection as a private conversation.

• If you need a lawful chat copy, review More, Settings, Account and Viber Backup, including its cloud account access.
• Cancel active subscriptions first. Then open More, Settings, Account and Deactivate account.
• Enter the requested number and PIN, read the permanent loss warning and confirm only if you intend closure.

Why it matters: Uninstalling alone differs from deactivation. Also review cloud copies and recipient copies separately.

Official guidance: Back up deliberately or deactivate an account.

Set a desktop screen lock

Desktop locking limits casual access to Viber. However, its password is separate from the account verification PIN.

• Open desktop Settings, then Privacy and security and enable Rakuten Viber screen lock.
• Create and confirm the password, then select Done.
• Use Ctrl+L on Windows or Cmd+L on Mac to lock it. Review the authentication prompt before leaving the computer.

Why it matters: Forgetting the password can require deactivation and data loss. Therefore, store it securely and protect the computer’s own login.

Official guidance: Set a desktop screen lock.

How to Use Rakuten Viber Safely

Review Rakuten Viber safety settings together before changing a child’s access. For example, agree which contacts and groups serve a clear purpose. Also explain how to leave a conversation and ask for help.

Verify unexpected requests through a separate trusted channel. However, a familiar name, image or voice can come from a copied or stolen account. Never share passwords, login codes or intimate images under pressure.

Essential Safety Advice and Current Concerns

• Treat requests for secrecy, money, intimate images or urgent account action as warning signs. Instead, pause and ask a trusted adult.
• Use an avatar or another non identifying image where practical. Also keep school uniforms, home details and regular routes out of shared photos.
• Discuss consent before forwarding messages or photos. However, encryption and disappearing content cannot prevent a recipient using another camera.
• Respond calmly if a child reports harmful contact. Reassure them that asking for help will not automatically mean punishment.
• Avoid unexpected downloads, account linking codes and third party recovery services. For example, legitimate support does not need your authentication secret.

Irish support and reporting

In immediate danger, call 112 or 999. Contact An Garda Síochána about private or encrypted abuse and safeguarding concerns. However, do not download, copy or forward sexual images involving children to collect evidence.

Hotline.ie accepts reports within its illegal online content remit. In addition, use Useful Links and Supports for further support routes. CODA’s contact form is not an emergency service.

Platform Support and Regional Differences

Viber has no ordinary remote parent dashboard that enforces all the controls above. Instead, review eligible teen settings together and use device controls for bedtime, app access and permissions.

Phone, desktop and tablet features differ. Hidden chats are not available on desktop or tablets, while some calling controls are Android only. Also update the app after a device change and recheck its block list.

UK younger account defaults can extend to under 18, while Ireland uses the EEA rules described above. Dating, Viber Pay, business tools and adult Communities have separate regional and age eligibility. Do not assume an Irish child can access them.

Core privacy controls are free. Viber Plus, Viber Out, paid stickers and other services have separate prices and cancellation routes. A paid feature cannot make a stranger, Community or AI interaction safe.

Rakuten Viber Safety Settings Checklist

• Confirm the genuine age, account type and supported country before setup.
• Review the relevant contact, profile, group and content protections above. Also check each exception.
• Protect recovery methods and every signed in device. Then remove sessions you no longer need.
• Agree a location sharing purpose and an end time. Similarly, restrict camera and microphone access when unnecessary.
• Check billing separately from app removal. For example, uninstalling an app usually does not cancel subscriptions.
• Practise blocking, reporting and seeking help. Finally, repeat the review after updates, new contacts or a device change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Rakuten Viber safety settings hide numbers everywhere?

No. Private groups and public Communities have different number visibility. Therefore, review the exact space before joining.

Can parents remotely enforce every setting?

Viber has no ordinary universal parent dashboard for these controls. Instead, review the device together and use appropriate operating system restrictions.

Does deleting Viber cancel Viber Out?

No. Cancel the plan and automatic top ups through the appropriate billing route. Also review Plus and separate subscriptions.

Related CODA Guides

For more help with Rakuten Viber safety settings, explore Resources for Parents, App Safety Settings and Video Guides.

References

Account and privacy guidance

Viber age and younger account rules. Explains the relevant account requirements, control or support route.

Rakuten Viber safety settings: profile and activity privacy. Explains the relevant account requirements, control or support route.

Rakuten Viber safety settings: restrict group invitations. Explains the relevant account requirements, control or support route.

Set up two step verification and recovery. Explains the relevant account requirements, control or support route.

Verify encryption with trusted contacts. Explains the relevant account requirements, control or support route.

Rakuten Viber safety settings: block unwanted contacts. Explains the relevant account requirements, control or support route.

Keep spam checking and review message requests. Explains the relevant account requirements, control or support route.

Choose disappearing messages deliberately. Explains the relevant account requirements, control or support route.

Further settings guidance

Restrict analytics, personalisation and accurate location. Explains the relevant account requirements, control or support route.

Review advertising choices separately. Explains the relevant account requirements, control or support route.

Review Communities, Channels, bots and AI. Explains the relevant account requirements, control or support route.

Cancel plans and automatic credit top ups. Explains the relevant account requirements, control or support route.

Request account data or remove stored personal data. Explains the relevant account requirements, control or support route.

Back up deliberately or deactivate an account. Explains the relevant account requirements, control or support route.

Set a desktop screen lock. Explains the relevant account requirements, control or support route.

Hotline.ie reporting remit. Explains the relevant account requirements, control or support route.

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Children of the Digital Age provides online safety education and training for schools, parents and organisations. Our work combines practical settings guidance with online behaviour, cyberpsychology and emerging risk awareness.

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Last updated: 14 October 2026