How to Set Up and Use Two-Step Verification on WhatsApp
When it comes to your online accounts, security and protection are of the utmost importance. This is why products like password managers and features like two-step verification are so popular.
Although WhatsApp doesn’t have a password for your account, it does have 2-step verification that you can enable if attackers get their hands on your account details. This article will show you how to set up and use two-step verification on WhatsApp.
What is Two-Step Verification on WhatsApp?
Two-Step Verification is a security feature that protects your WhatsApp account if it ever falls into the wrong hands. It also prevents anyone else from adding it to another device.
Like many online platforms, your WhatsApp account can fall victim to scams, threats, and security risks. WhatsApp’s two-step verification feature is an extra layer of protection that protects your account in such scenarios.
Setup creates a six-digit PIN that you must enter each time you register your WhatsApp account on a new device. In addition to setting up a PIN, you’ll need to provide an email address in case you ever need to reset your PIN.
How to set up two-step verification on WhatsApp
It’s easy to set up two-step verification on WhatsApp. Before you start, make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp installed on your phone to be able to use this feature. To do this, find the app in the App Store or Google Play and update it there.
Once that’s done, follow the steps below to get started:
- Open the WhatsApp app on your mobile phone.
- Tap the settings icon in the lower right corner of the screen.
- Now tap Account.
- On the account page, tap 2-Step Verification > Enable.
- Enter your six-digit PIN and re-enter it on the next page to confirm.
- Next, enter your email address and confirm it on the next page.
- Finally tap Finished.
That’s it. You have successfully set up two-step verification on WhatsApp.
It is always wise to be proactive in protecting your online accounts. There are several ways to make your WhatsApp more secure and private. One of them is two-step verification.
How to use two-step verification on WhatsApp
Once you’ve set up your PIN, you can manage your two-step verification details by changing your PIN and email address as needed. You can also disable the feature if you’re annoyed by the constant prompts for your PIN, especially if you always have your phone with you.
To manage two-step verification on WhatsApp:
- Open the WhatsApp app on your phone.
- Tap the settings icon in the lower right corner of the screen.
- Next, tap Account.
- Now tap Two-Step Verification.
- Depending on the changes you want, select the appropriate option and continue.
WhatsApp will randomly and periodically prompt you to enter your PIN when you open the app to confirm that you’re still the one using your account.
Enabling two-step verification ensures that you’re the only person who can use your WhatsApp account, even if you add it to another device. Just don’t make the mistake of sharing your PIN with others, as that would defeat the purpose. And take the necessary steps to keep your email account secure.
Two-Step Verification is one of several features WhatsApp has added to improve its platform in 2022. However, there are features that WhatsApp still needs to surpass other safe alternatives and become even more useful.
Protect your WhatsApp account with 2-Step Verification
As you may know, like any other messaging or social media platform, WhatsApp is vulnerable to threats. That’s why you can never be too careful. Luckily, there are several ways to protect your WhatsApp account.
Consider making your WhatsApp account more secure by turning on 2-Step Verification. And of course, the old rules still apply: avoid leaving your cell phone unattended and use strong passwords to protect your email accounts.
If you think your privacy has been compromised in any way, change your account passwords and two-step verification PIN on WhatsApp immediately.