Since 2017, WhatsApp has offered two-step verification to all of its users. Which, at the time of writing, means 2 billion people. Once enabled, two-step verification makes it more difficult for someone to hack into your WhatsApp account. We therefore encourage everyone who hasn't done so already to enable two-step verification on WhatsApp right now.
What Is Two-Step Verification?
For the uninitiated, two-step verification (AKA two-factor authentication) requires a second element to access an account. The first step is usually a password, and the second is usually a passcode or PIN. Most companies, including Google, Facebook, and Amazon, offer two-step verification on accounts containing personal information. And WhatsApp is no exception.
How to Enable Two-Step Verification on WhatsApp
To enable two-step verification on WhatsApp just go to Settings > Account > Two-step verification > Enable. You'll then be asked to create a six-digit PIN which you'll be required to input every time you need to verify your phone number. You will also be prompted to enter your PIN periodically to help you remember it.
When you enable two-step verification on WhatsApp, you will also be given the option of adding an email address. WhatsApp will use this to send you a reset link in the event that you forget your PIN. Thus, we strongly recommend you enter an email address when you enable two-step verification. If you don't, and then do forget your PIN, you'll have to wait seven days before resetting it.
You can add an email address at any time by going to Settings > Account > Two-step verification > Add Email Address.
You can also change the email address associated with WhatsApp's two step verification by clicking Settings > Account > Two-step verification > Change Email Address.
You can change your PIN by clicking Settings > Account > Two-step verification > Change PIN.
And you can even disable two-step verification on WhatsApp altogether by going to Settings > Account > Two-step verification > Disable > Disable. We do not recommend this though.
Two-Step Verification Can Protect Your WhatsApp From Hackers
All tech companies have a responsibility to keep their users safe and secure. And offering two-step verification is an essential part of those protections. The problem is persuading users to actually use the tools offered to them.
So, if you use WhatsApp but haven't yet set up two-step verification, we urge you to do so straight after reading this article.