WhatsApp has finally rolled out its 2-step verification feature. Two-step verification adds an extra layer of security. You’ll be asked to generate a six digit code, without which, you can no longer login and use WhatsApp.
WhatsApp’s implementation of 2-step verification is a bit different from other services like Google or Twitter, which send you a code using SMS every time you log in. Here, you need to create your own code and remember it when setting up WhatsApp on a new device. WhatsApp will also periodically ask you to enter the code so you don’t forget it.
Also read: Top 19 WhatsApp Tips and Tricks for iPhone
How to Enable 2-Step Verification
Step 1: Open the WhatsApp app and go to Settings.
Step 2: Tap on Accounts and then select Two-step verification.
Step 3: From here, tap on Enable.
Step 4: Create your six digit code and confirm it in the next step.
Step 5: Enter your email address you’d want to use as a backup, and confirm it at the next step (It’s important that you do enter a valid email address here. If you forget your code, this is the only way you’ll be able to regain access to WhatsApp.
And that’s it. You can come back to this screen to disable it, change the passcode or the email address.
Caveats
As I said, the feature works differently than the other 2-step verification systems we’re used to. Here are some caveats you should be aware of, straight from WhatsApp’s FAQ page about the feature.
If you have two-step verification enabled, your number will not be permitted to reverify on WhatsApp within 7 days of last using WhatsApp without your passcode. Thus, if you forget your own passcode, but did not provide an email to disable two-step verification, even you will not be permitted to reverify on WhatsApp within 7 days of last using WhatsApp. After these 7 days, your number will be permitted to reverify on WhatsApp without your passcode, but you will lose all pending messages upon reverifying – they will be deleted. If your number is reverified on WhatsApp after 30 days of last using WhatsApp, and without your passcode, your account will be deleted and a new one will be created upon successfully reverifying.
How Do You Use WhatsApp?
What all ways do you use WhatsApp? Sharing GIFs? Sending PDFs? Making calls? Share with us in the comments below.
