WhatsApp Two-Step Verification Now Rolling Out for Android, iPhones, Windows

WhatsApp now includes an extra layer of security.  It has started to roll out two-step verification to its users on Android, iOS and Windows. The feature was available to WhatsApp beta testers since last November, but is now rolling out to all 1.2 billion users. This is an optional feature, which boosts security of your account. It's an optional feature—disabled by default—meant to boost the security of your messaging account. When enabled, you'll be required to input a six-digit code of your choice when you're asked to verify your phone number.

To enable two-step verification, open WhatsApp > Settings > Account > Two-step verification > Enable.

Upon enabling this feature, you can also optionally enter your email address. This email address will allow WhatsApp to send you a link via email to disable two-step verification in case you ever forget your six-digit passcode, and also to help safeguard your account.

"We do not verify this email address to confirm its accuracy. We highly recommend you provide an accurate email address so that you're not locked out of your account if you forget your passcode", as said by the WhatsApp Team.

Let's say you forget your code and didn't enter a recovery e-mail into WhatsApp. In this case, you'll be able to log back in to WhatsApp only after seven days of your last use of the app. According to WhatsApp, however, there will be consequences for your messages and account in this case. "After these seven days, your number will be permitted to re-verify on WhatsApp without your passcode, but you will lose all pending messages upon re-verifying—they will be deleted," WhatsApp's FAQ page states.

"If your number is re-verified on WhatsApp after 30 days of last using WhatsApp, and without your passcode, your account will be deleted and a new one will be created upon successfully reverifying." WhatsApp will periodically ask people about their code in order to ensure people don’t forget it.

The messaging service also notes, “If you receive an email to disable two-step verification, but did not request this, do not click on the link. Someone could be attempting to verify your phone number on WhatsApp.”

This is rolling out to all WhatsApp accounts worldwide now.

Cheers!!!