The two-factor authentication can add extra security to your online accounts. Gmail and Facebook already provide this security feature for the users.
Once adding an E-Mail address,
Basically, two-factor authentication requires your authorization to log in to your account. All you need to do is to register your mobile number to receive OTP [One Time Password].
When you enter your login credentials, you will receive an OTP on your mobile number. Then, you should enter the OTP on the screen to securely log in to your account.
You might also like to read: How To Cancel Two-Step Verification on GoDaddy
You might also like to read: How To Cancel Two-Step Verification on GoDaddy
This prevents cyber-criminals from hacking your account. Even though someone cracked your password, they will still need OTP to get access.
Two-factor authentication is the highest level of security to protect your account. This includes OTP, security questions, Device prompt, and biometrics.
In WhatsApp, this works differently. As you know, you need OTP for verifying your number. Additionally, you will be asked to enter a PIN for authentication. Here, PIN acts as two-factor authentication.
Requirements
- Android Phone.
- WhatsApp is installed on your phone.
- Valid E-Mail address.
How To Enable Two-Step Verification in WhatsApp
- Launch WhatsApp.
- Tap on 3 vertical dots on the top right side.
- Go to Settings.
- Tap on Account.
- Then tap on Two-step verification from the list.
On the next screen, you will see a message stating that you need to add a PIN. Thus, when you reverify WhatsApp with the same phone number again, you need to enter the PIN.
- Tap on the Enable button.
- Now, enter a 6-digit PIN and click the Next button.
- On the next screen, enter the same 6-digit PIN for confirmation.
- It will automatically save your PIN.
- On the next screen, you will be asked to enter a valid E-Mail address.
Note: Although you could see an option to skip, we don't recommend you to skip. To reset your PIN, this E-Mail address will be used if you forgot your PIN.
Once adding an E-Mail address,
- Tap on the Next button.
- Again enter your E-Mail address for confirmation.
- It will automatically save your email.
That's it. You've successfully enabled WhatsApp two-factor authentication.
How To Disable Two-Step Verification in WhatsApp
- Launch WhatsApp.
- Tap on 3 vertical dots on the top right side.
- Go to Settings.
- Go to Account.
- Tap on Two-step verification.
- Tap on Disable option.
- Touch the Disable option on the pop-up message.
Now, you have successfully disabled WhatsApp two-factor authentication.
More Options
You will see two options. They are:
- Change PIN.
- Change email address.
Change PIN - To change the PIN, tap on it, and provide a new PIN. Then confirm it.
Change email address - To change the email, tap on it, and give a new email address. Then confirm it.
Note: Don't forget the email address and associated password. Please note down your login credentials.
Main Advantage of WhatsApp Two-Factor Authentication
If someone tries to access your WhatsApp account on their phone, they need OTP. If they can access your phone too, it's easy to get the OTP. Here, two-factor authentication plays an important role. They need the PIN to verify the phone number. Only you know the 6-digit PIN to reverify your phone number.
Things To Be Noted After Enabling WhatsApp Two-Factor Authentication
- You're not allowed to reverify your phone number without the PIN. You need to wait for 7 days to reverify without the PIN. If you've already provided an email address, you could reset your PIN at any time.
- If you forget your PIN and email, you can't reverify your mobile number. You need to wait for 7 days to reverify.
- After 7 days, you can re-verify your mobile number without the PIN. Please be noted that your pending messages will be deleted.
- When you try to reverify after 30 days, your account will be deleted. You need to set up a new account for your mobile number.
Conclusion
Two-step verification is an optional feature in WhatsApp. To add an additional layer of security to your account, you can opt for it. If you're very much concerned about your privacy, you will love this feature.
