14 DAY TRIAL // The team at WhatsApp has just announced it has added the Two-Step Verification feature to its messaging application, as an optional security feature. It will enable WhatsApp users to add an extra layer of security to their accounts.
The new security feature is rolled out to all compatible devices, but since this is a staged rollout, it might take a while to reach everyone. If you want to check whether or not the feature is available on your device, you can head to Settings, tap on Account and you should notice a new “Two-step verification” option that you can enable.
Whenever you enable two-step verification, any attempt to verify your phone number on WhatsApp must be accompanied by the six-digit passcode that you created using this feature.
Optionally, you can add your email address that will allow WhatsApp to send you a link to disable two-step verification in case you forget the six-digit passcode.
The email address may also be used to help safeguard your WhatsApp account. According to developers, they do not verify the validity of the email address that you provide, so it's recommended to provide an accurate one to avoid being locked out of your account if you forget the passcode.
Provide a valid email address so you can disable two-step verification
It's worth mentioning that whenever you receive an email that will ask you to disable two-step verification, you should not click on the link if you didn't request for the email since someone else might attempt to hack your WhatsApp account.
Another important piece of information that you should know before enabling two-step verification is that your number will not be permitted to reverify on WhatsApp within 7 days of last using WhatsApp without your passcode.
So, in case you forget your own passcode, but did not provide an email to disable two-step verification, you will not be permitted to reverify on WhatsApp within 7 days of last using the app.
As a side note, WhatsApp has added some sort of mechanism that will help you remember your passcode. Basically, you will be asked from time to time to enter the passcode when using WhatsApp.