Activate WhatsApp two-step verification feature on your phone right now
After several months of testing, WhatsApp has finally rolled out the two-step verification security feature which will prevent anyone else from activating your WhatsApp phone number without a six digit passcode.
How to enable the Two-Step Verification Feature
To enable this security feature users have to open WhatsApp > Settings > Account > Two-step verification > Enable. Enter a six digit passcode (which you will easily remember) and confirm the same. After this you will be prompted to enter your email address, this feature is optional but it is advisable that you opt for it. This email address will allow WhatsApp to send you a link via email to disable two-step verification in case you ever forget your six-digit passcode, and also to help safeguard your account.
If you don’t want to enter the email address, WhatsApp says it will prompt you to enter your passcode “periodically” in order to help you remember it. When this security feature is set up no one will be able to verify your phone number without providing the passcode.
How does it work?
After you have activated the two-step verification, the next time your SIM card is inserted in a new device to access WhatsApp, there will be a prompt to enter your six digit passcode. If the code doesn’t match, your number will not be permitted to reverify on WhatsApp within 7 days of last using WhatsApp without your passcode. If you did opt to enter your email address while activating the feature, it will come handy. However, if you fail to provide either of the two, your WhatsApp account will be inaccessible for 7 days. After which, your number will be permitted to re-verify on WhatsApp without your passcode, but you will lose all pending messages upon re-verifying, they will be deleted.
Why should you activate it?
This is a major security feature introduced by WhatsApp and you should definitely take advantage of it. Imagine a situation where your phone gets stolen, your SIM card is taken out of your phone and inserted in another device. If you don’t have a two-step verification activated, the person who stole your phone will be able to access your WhatsApp and all the personal conversations in it.
The only downside to this feature update is that if you or anyone else in possession of your phone tries to disable the two-step verification, WhatsApp does not prompt them to enter the pass code. Ideally there should be a verification of the pass code before disabling it.
If you haven’t got the update on your WhatsApp, don’t worry, we suggest you to wait for a day or two; you should soon receive this feature for your WhatsApp.
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