**How to Stay Safe on Xiaohongshu: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Privacy**

Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book) is more than just a social platform—it’s a lifestyle hub where millions share shopping hauls, beauty tips, and travel adventures. But with great sharing comes great responsibility, especially when it comes to privacy and security. If you’ve ever wondered whether your personal data is safe or how to avoid scams lurking in the comments, you’re not alone.

I’ve spent years navigating Xiaohongshu, both as a regular user and later advising brands on safe engagement strategies. Along the way, I’ve seen everything from hacked accounts to phishing links disguised as “exclusive deals.” The good news? With a few proactive steps, you can enjoy the app without putting yourself at risk. Let’s break down everything you need to know.

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### **Why Xiaohongshu Safety Matters**

Unlike purely private messaging apps, Xiaohongshu blends social networking with e-commerce—meaning your activity can attract not just followers but also scammers or data harvesters. Common risks include:

– **Personal Data Exposure:** Accidentally sharing your location, ID, or contact info in posts.
– **Fake Sellers:** “Too-good-to-be-true” shops that disappear after taking your money.
– **Phishing Scams:** Messages pretending to be Xiaohongshu support asking for login details.

A 2023 report by a cybersecurity firm found that social commerce platforms like Xiaohongshu are increasingly targeted due to their mix of financial transactions and personal content.

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### **6 Practical Safety Tips for Xiaohongshu Users**

#### **1. Lock Down Your Privacy Settings**
Xiaohongshu’s default settings aren’t always the most secure. Here’s what to adjust:
– Go to **Settings > Privacy** and disable “Show my location in posts.”
– Restrict “Who can comment on my posts” to “Followers only” if you’re getting spam.
– Turn off “Allow strangers to message me” to avoid unsolicited links.

*Pro Tip:* Regularly check these settings—app updates sometimes reset them.

#### **2. Spot (and Avoid) Fake Sellers**
Fake stores often use these tactics:
– Prices significantly lower than official retailers (e.g., ¥200 for a ¥2,000 designer bag).
– No “Little Red Book Store” badge (the platform’s verification for legitimate shops).
– Pressuring you to pay via external links (always use Xiaohongshu’s in-app payment system).

*What I Do:* Reverse-image-search product photos. If the same images appear on AliExpress or shady websites, it’s a red flag.

#### **3. Never Share These 3 Things**
Even innocent-seeming details can be misused:
– **Boarding passes or train tickets:** Barcodes can reveal your full name and ID number.
– **Your phone/WeChat ID:** Opens doors for spam or impersonation.
– **Real-time location tags:** Save that vacation geotag for after you’ve left the hotel.

#### **4. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)**
An extra login step prevents 80% of hacking attempts. Activate it under:
**Settings > Account Security > Two-Step Verification.**

#### **5. Recognize Phishing Messages**
Scammers often impersonate Xiaohongshu staff with messages like:
– “Your account will be banned unless you verify your identity [link].”
– “You’ve won a prize! Click to claim.”

*Legitimate Xiaohongshu notices* will only appear in your official **Notification Center**, never in DMs.

#### **6. Audit Your Connected Apps**
Many users log in to third-party services (like discount finders) using their Xiaohongshu account. Revoke access to unused apps in:
**Settings > Third-Party Services > Authorized Apps.**

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### **What to Do If You’re Hacked or Scammed**
1. **Change your password immediately.**
2. **Report the issue** via Xiaohongshu’s help center (go to **Profile > Settings > Help & Feedback**).
3. **Contact your bank** if you shared payment details.

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### **Final Thoughts**
Xiaohongshu’s blend of community and shopping makes it uniquely fun—and uniquely risky. But with smart habits (like treating DMs from “admin” accounts with skepticism and double-checking seller reviews), you’ll drastically reduce your exposure.

The platform’s security tools are decent, but they only work if you use them. Spend 10 minutes today tightening your settings, and you’ll scroll (and shop) with peace of mind.

*Got questions? Drop them below—I’ll answer based on my own trial-and-error experiences.*