WhatsApp Rolling Out Two-Step Verification Security Feature to All Users - MacRumors
Skip to Content

WhatsApp Rolling Out Two-Step Verification Security Feature to All Users

by

whatsappWhatsApp is in the process of rolling out a two-step verification feature for the messaging platform from today. The security option has been in testing for several months, but is finally going live for all users of the app.

With the optional feature, WhatsApp users will be able to securely verify their number with a custom-generated six-digit passcode whenever they install the app on a new device. To activate the security feature, users should open the app and tap through to Settings -> Account -> Two-step verification -> Enable.

Upon enabling the feature, users are asked if they want to enter their email address. This is used by WhatsApp to send a link via email to disable two-step verification in case the six-digit passcode is forgotten, and also to help safeguard the account.

To help users remember their passcode, WhatsApp will periodically ask them for it. There is no option to disable this without disabling the two-step verification feature.

WhatsApp is available as a free download on the App Store for iPhone. [Direct Link]

Tag: WhatsApp

Top Rated Comments

Frederik on MacRumors Avatar
Frederik on MacRumors
119 months ago
Collecting email addresses to better match people to existing data?
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
RamRS Avatar
RamRS
119 months ago
Email is optional..
I see you insist on making this point to everyone individually. Yes, email is optional, but it is the easier, more stable, less memory-dependent/human error-prone option. If they seriously values privacy, they would have gone with an authenticator application, and so would Facebook. Why force users to choose between trust-your-memory-to-never-fail-you vs give me your email address?

Seriously, f*** WhatsApp and f*** Facebook.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
J
joy.757
119 months ago
Cool, but I'd have liked a Google authenticator like service, rather than remembering another passcode.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
C
C DM
119 months ago
For alot of jobs your Facebook profile is reviewed prior to getting an interview or after the 1st interview.
How does that work if/when you practically don't have anything on it that's public?
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
m.x Avatar
m.x
119 months ago
Collecting email addresses to better match people to existing data?
Seems very likely. If a Facebook user opted out of sharing data with WhatApp, but uses the same mail address for 2FA, it's now possible to identify him on WhatsApp. Heck, they could even try to match the telephone numbers of the people most talked to on WhatsApp with the profiles most talked to on Facebook to create even larger databases about the people who never opted in to data sharing. It's sad to see that privacy is being attacked more and more. And in a not too distant future you'll have to have a good Facebook profile to be allowed to travel, just like that Black Mirror episode and everybody will be wondering how it all came to this...
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
C
CarpalMac
119 months ago
Telegram deployed this on the 8th April, 2015.

https://telegram.org/blog/sessions-and-2-step-verification


Perhaps the Whatsapp are struggling for cash to pay their developers...
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Read All Comments

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.4 Adds Two New Features to CarPlay

Tuesday March 24, 2026 1:55 pm PDT by
iOS 26.4 was released today, and it includes a couple of new features for CarPlay: an Ambient Music widget and support for voice-based chatbot apps. To update your iPhone 11 or newer to iOS 26.4, open the Settings app and tap on General → Software Update. CarPlay will automatically offer the new features so long as the iPhone connected to your vehicle is running iOS 26.4 or later....
Read Full Article • 25 comments
Apple Business hero

Apple Unveils 'Apple Business' All-in-One Platform

Tuesday March 24, 2026 8:53 am PDT by
Apple today announced Apple Business, a new all-in-one platform that unifies device management, productivity tools, and customer outreach features. The service is designed to be a consolidated replacement for several of Apple's existing business-focused offerings, including Apple Business Essentials, Apple Business Manager, and Apple Business Connect. It provides organizations with a single...
Read Full Article • 47 comments
AirPods Pro Firmware Feature

Apple Releases New Firmware for AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4

Tuesday March 24, 2026 12:31 pm PDT by
Apple today released new firmware for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and the AirPods 4. The firmware has a version number of 8B39, up from 8B34 on the AirPods Pro 3, 8B28 on the AirPods Pro 2, and 8B21 on the AirPods 4. There is no word on what's included in the firmware, but Apple has a support document with limited notes. Most updates are limited to bug fixes and performance...
Read Full Article • 88 comments