This article explains how to set up two-factor verification (also known as 2FA or two-step verification) on your WhatsApp account. The instructions apply to all Android or iOS devices that have WhatsApp installed. 

What to Know

  • In WhatsApp, open Settings > tap Account > Two-Step Verification > Enable.Enter the six-digit PIN you want to use > tap Next. Add an email for extra security.Two-step verification adds an extra layer of protection to your online accounts.

How to Enable Two Step Verification in WhatsApp 

It only takes a few minutes to enable WhatsApp 2-step verification, provided you know how, but it’s important to do so. Here’s what to do. 

  • Open WhatsApp.
  • Tap Settings.
  • On an Android phone, you may have to tap the three dots icon, then tap Settings.
  • Tap Account.
  • Tap Two-Step Verification.
  • Tap Enable.
  • Enter the six-digit PIN you wish to use.
  • Make sure it’s something you’ll remember!
  • Tap Next, then enter it a second time to confirm it.
  • Tap Next.
  • Add an email address for extra security.
  • This step is optional and you can tap Skip to skip it, but it’s useful to have an extra way of retrieving your account if you forget your PIN.
  • Tap Next.

How to Change Your WhatsApp Pin or Email Address

If you want to change your WhatsApp PIN or email address, it’s easy to do so. Here’s what to do.

The instructions are very similar, whether you’re on Android or iOS. They work across all Android and iOS devices that have WhatsApp installed. 

Open WhatsApp.

Tap Settings.

On an Android phone, you may have to tap the three dots icon, then tap Settings.

Tap Account.

Tap Two-Step Verification.

Tap Enable.

Enter the six-digit PIN you wish to use.

Make sure it’s something you’ll remember!

Tap Next, then enter it a second time to confirm it.

Tap Next.

Add an email address for extra security. 

This step is optional and you can tap Skip to skip it, but it’s useful to have an extra way of retrieving your account if you forget your PIN. 

  • Tap Settings > Two-Step Verification.
  • Tap Change PIN or Change Email Address.
  • Enter your new PIN or email address, then tap Next.
  • Your PIN or email address is now changed.
  • Want to disable two step verification instead? Tap Disable, then tap Disable a second time to agree to it.

Why Should I Use WhatsApp Two Factor Authentication? 

Two-factor authentication is an important method of adding an extra layer of protection to your online accounts. 

You may wish to do this regularly if you’re worried that your PIN is easy to guess or someone else may have figured it out. Make sure an active email address is always used so you don’t get locked out. 

Tap Settings > Two-Step Verification.

Tap Change PIN or Change Email Address.

Enter your new PIN or email address, then tap Next. 

Your PIN or email address is now changed. 

Want to disable two step verification instead? Tap Disable, then tap Disable a second time to agree to it.

In the case of WhatsApp, it means that any attempt to verify your phone number also requires you to enter a 6 digit PIN you’ve set up with the account. If you (or the person trying to access your account) doesn’t know the PIN, they don’t get to reverify the account and thereby use it. It’s very secure and safe. 

It’s the best way of making sure that only you get to use your WhatsApp account, no matter what. It’s simple to set up too, and the app only occasionally asks you to confirm your PIN. 

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