WhatsApp Enhances Account Security with Email Verification Feature

Key Points

WhatsApp introduces email verification, adding an extra layer of security to user accounts, alongside existing features like Chat Lock and Device Verification.

Users can now link their email addresses to their WhatsApp accounts, providing an alternative access method if they lose access to their mobile numbers.

The process is simple - on the latest WhatsApp beta for Android, users can link their email under WhatsApp Settings > Account > Email address. The linked email remains private, and a six-digit verification code is sent for added security.

By Bogdana Zujic

Published on November 21, 2023 | Modified on November 21, 2023

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Cell phone with WhatsApp on the screen, credit: Amin Moshrefi

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WhatsApp continues its commitment to user security by introducing a new feature - email verification. Recognizing the need for added account protection beyond end-to-end encryption, the platform has been actively implementing security measures throughout the year, including Chat Lock, Account Protect, and Device Verification. The latest addition, email verification, was initially spotted in testing and is now widely available to beta testers.

Until now, WhatsApp accounts were solely linked to mobile numbers, posing a potential security risk if users lose access to their numbers. To address this concern, WhatsApp allows users to link their email addresses, offering an alternative way to access their accounts.

For those using the latest WhatsApp beta on Android, the option to link an email address can be found under WhatsApp Settings > Account > Email address. The process involves receiving a six-digit verification code via email, ensuring the privacy of the email address from other users in the contact book. Users are not restricted to a specific email ID, providing flexibility.

Once linked, the email address is an alternate method for receiving the six-digit login code, currently delivered via SMS. This addition is particularly useful in cases where users face issues receiving the code due to network or server problems, emphasizing WhatsApp's commitment to providing reliable and secure communication for its users.