WhatsApp is the most used instant messaging app worldwide with over 2 billion users globally with India having the largest number of active users which is about 340 million users as of 2019.
WhatsApp being the most popular messaging app meaning, it is likely to meet more friends, family, and other business partners and customers.
Unlike the previous days that we used WhatsApp to chat with only friends and family, these days we use the app in our day-to-day activities. Many businesses such as banks offer assistance through WhatsApp. This makes it very necessary to protect your WhatsApp account by enabling WhatsApp Two-Step Verification option.
What is Two-Step Verification?
Two-Step Verification also called Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) or Dual-Factor Authentication is a system adding a second security layer to the normal mode of accessing the system (usually username and password). Two-Step Authentication can be in many forms such as security code or biometric (fingerprint or facial scan).
For example; after someone has successfully entered your username and password correctly, he has to enter a pin sent to your mobile phone before he can access your account.
WhatsApp Two-Step Verification enables you to enter 6 digits PIN which will be required whenever you are registering your WhatsApp number again. Also, you will be prompted to enter it from time to time.
Is WhatsApp Two-Step Verification Necessary?
This is an important option that I highly suggest all WhatsApp users should enable. This is because if someone finds a way to verify your WhatsApp number devices on a different device without your knowledge or permission. He will require an additional 6 digits PIN (of which you are the only person that knows) to use the account. Normally, to register WhatsApp on a device, you need only the phone number to receive the verification code.
How to Enable WhatsApp Two-Step Verification?
Follow the steps below to activate Two-Step Verification on your WhatsApp Account.
- Make sure you have the latest WhatsApp app installed on your device.
- Open your WhatsApp app.
- Tap on the menu (the 3 vertical dots located at the top right corner of the app, after the search icon).
- Tap on Settings from the list of menus that will appear.
- Tap on Account.
- Again tap on Two-step verification.
- A page will be displayed with little information about WhatsApp Two-Step verification. Tap on the ENABLE button.
- Enter your 6 digits PIN. Make sure you remember this PIN all the time.
- Confirm the PIN by entering the same digits again.
- Enter your active email address and tap the NEXT button. This will enable you to reset your PIN in case you forget. However, you can skip it but not recommended.
- Confirm your Email address by entering it again and tap on the SAVE button.
- You see a message saying your Two-step verification is enabled. Tap on DONE
How to Disable WhatsApp Two-Step Verification?
If you are not interested in the Two-step verification or for some reason you want to deactivate it. You can follow the steps below to deactivate WhatsApp two-step verification.
- Open your WhatsApp app.
- Tap on the menu (the 3 vertical dots located at the top right corner of the app, after the search icon).
- Tap on Settings from the list of menus that will appear.
- Tap on Account.
- Again tap on Two-step verification.
- Tap on Disable.
- You will receive a confirmation prompt. Tap on DISABLE.
- Wait for some seconds for it to be disabled.
How to Change the PIN of WhatsApp Two-Step Verification?
If you have forgotten your previous pin or you want to change it to something better, then follow the steps below.
Note that your previous PIN won’t be required when changing to a new PIN.
- Open your WhatsApp app.
- Tap on the menu ( 3 vertical dots located at the top right corner of the app, after the search icon).
- Tap on Settings from the list of menus that will appear.
- Tap on Account.
- Tap on Two-step verification.
- Tap on Change PIN.
- Enter your new 6 digits PIN.
- Confirm your PIN by entering it again.
- Tap on the SAVE button.
- Wait for some seconds for it to take effect.
How to Change the Email Address of WhatsApp Two-Step Verification?
If you have changed your active email or you no longer have access to the email you used when activating WhatsApp Two-step verification, you can easily change it by following the steps below.
- Open your WhatsApp app.
- Tap on the menu ( 3 vertical dots located at the top right corner of the app, after the search icon).
- Tap on Settings from the list of menus that will appear.
- Tap on Account.
- Tap on Two-step verification.
- Tap on Change email address.
- Enter your new email address and tap on the NEXT button.
- Confirm your new email address by entering it again and tap on the SAVE button.
- Wait for a second for your new password to be set.
Questions you may ask
Q1. How often does WhatsApp ask for two-step verification?
WhatsApp asks for the two-steps verification once per week.
Q2. Can two-step verification be hacked?
Using two-step verification doesn’t guarantee your account can not be hacked but it provides an additional security layer making your account more difficult to be hacked.
Conclusion
It is very important to use two-step verification on your various accounts not only WhatsApp to keep your accounts more secure.
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