WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion users. It allows people to easily communicate with friends, family and colleagues through encrypted messages, calls and video chats.
One of the key security features offered by WhatsApp is two-step verification. This adds an extra layer of protection to your account by requiring a six-digit PIN when registering your phone number with WhatsApp. It prevents unauthorized people from verifying your number on WhatsApp if they get access to your phone’s SMS messages or call logs.
Why use two-step verification on WhatsApp
Here are some key reasons to use two-step verification on WhatsApp:
- Prevents account hijacking – The six digit PIN prevents attackers from taking over your account even if they manage to get your phone number.
- Extra login security – Anyone trying to register your number on a new device will need the PIN, making unauthorized logins harder.
- Data protection – Two-step verification keeps your conversations and media more secure.
- Peace of mind – You can feel more assured knowing your account has enhanced security.
Overall, two-step verification significantly improves your WhatsApp account security and prevents unauthorized access. It’s a quick and easy feature to set up, providing vital extra protection for your account.
How to enable two-step verification on WhatsApp
Enabling two-step verification on WhatsApp only takes a few minutes. Just follow these steps:
- Open WhatsApp on your phone.
- Go to Settings > Account > Two-step verification.
- Tap “Enable” and enter a six-digit PIN of your choice.
- Provide an email address you can access or tap “Skip”.
- Tap “Next” and confirm the six digit PIN again.
- Tap “Enable” to activate two-step verification.
You’ll now need to enter this PIN when registering your phone number on WhatsApp. The PIN prevents unauthorized people from activating your number on a new device without the code.
Using email for verification code
When you enable two-step verification on WhatsApp, you have the option to provide an email address. This allows WhatsApp to email you a six digit code that can be used as your verification PIN if you lose access to your phone.
Here are the steps to set up and use email for your WhatsApp verification code:
- When prompted during two-step verification setup, enter an email address you can access.
- WhatsApp will send a six digit confirmation code to that email.
- Enter the emailed six digit code into WhatsApp to verify your email.
- If you ever lose your phone, open the emailed verification code on a new device.
- Enter the code into WhatsApp when prompted to verify your number.
This allows you to verify your phone number on a new device using the six digit PIN emailed to you, even if you lose access to your phone. It adds extra convenience if you forget or lose your normal two-step verification PIN.
Changing your verified email
If you want to update the email associated with your WhatsApp account for verification codes, follow these steps:
- Open WhatsApp and go to Settings.
- Tap Account > Two-step verification.
- Tap Edit under the verified email address.
- Enter the new email you want to verify.
- Tap Done and check the new email for a six digit code.
- Enter the emailed six digit code into WhatsApp to change your verified email.
Your two-step verification PIN will still be required for registering your phone number. But the six digit account verification codes will now be sent to your new email address if you need them.
What to do if you lose your phone
If you lose access to your phone number along with your two-step verification PIN, here are the steps to restore your WhatsApp account on a new device:
- Get a new SIM card with your phone number.
- Install WhatsApp on the new device and try to verify your number.
- When prompted for the six digit PIN, tap “I don’t have access to my email or PIN”.
- You will then be prompted to wait 7 days before verifying your number without the PIN.
- After 7 days you can enter your phone number again and tap “Call me” to receive an automated WhatsApp call.
- Enter the 6 digit confirmation code provided on the call to verify your number without your PIN.
While it takes 7 days without access to your account, this process does allow you to recover and verify your phone number on WhatsApp without your verification PIN.
Disabling two-step verification
If you want to turn off two-step verification on WhatsApp, here are the steps:
- Open WhatsApp and go to Settings.
- Tap Account > Two-step verification.
- Enter your six digit PIN.
- Tap Disable two-step verification.
- Confirm disabling by tapping Disable.
Your account will revert to regular SMS/call verification when registering your number. But keep in mind this removes the enhanced security provided by two-step verification.
Summary of using email for WhatsApp verification
To summarize the key points on using email for WhatsApp verification codes:
- Enter an email when enabling two-step verification to get codes by email.
- The emailed six digit code can serve as your verification PIN.
- Change your verified email in WhatsApp settings if needed.
- Use the emailed code to verify your number on new devices.
- Wait 7 days if you lose your phone and PIN before verifying by automated call.
Using an email address for WhatsApp verification provides a convenient backup option if you lose access to your main two-step verification PIN. It adds an extra layer of security and accessibility to safeguard your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is two-step verification required on WhatsApp?
No, two-step verification is an optional extra security feature on WhatsApp. It adds an additional PIN requirement when registering your number, but is not mandatory to use the messaging app.
Can I use two-step verification without an email address?
Yes, providing an email when enabling two-step verification is optional. You can choose to verify using just a six digit PIN without an email as a backup method.
How long does it take to get the WhatsApp verification code email?
The verification code email is usually received within a few minutes after enabling two-step verification. If you don’t see it after 10-15 minutes, check your spam folder or try resending the email.
Does two-step verification change my WhatsApp PIN?
No, your regular WhatsApp PIN for things like locking conversations remains separate from the new six digit PIN set up for two-step verification. Other existing PINs are not changed.
Can I still verify via SMS call if I lose my phone?
Yes, after 7 days locked out of your account you can request an automated WhatsApp call to verify your number again without your verification PIN. This allows you to recover and verify your number if your phone is lost or stolen.
Conclusion
Using email for WhatsApp’s two-step verification provides an important fallback option to access your account if you lose your phone or forget your PIN. Take the time to enable this optional security feature and set up a verified email address. Doing so gives you vital peace of mind knowing your WhatsApp account has enhanced security against unauthorized access.