WhatsApp recently rolled out a new two-step verification to beef up the security on its mobile messaging app. The new update is an opt-in feature that when turned on, will require you to key in a predetermined six-digit passcode whenever you attempt to verify your phone number on WhatsApp.

To enable two-step verification, simply open WhatsApp on your smartphone, and tap on Settings. Under Account, enable Two-step verification. You will need to key in a six-digit passcode, as well as your email address. The email address is optional, but WhatsApp recommends that you provide an accurate email address so that if you ever forget your passcode, you can disable the two-step verification feature using your email. Do note that should you ever receive an email requesting to disable two-step verification, but you did not request this, do not click on the link. It means that someone could be attempting to verify your phone number on WhatsApp.

So what will happen if you did not provide an email address? WhatsApp will not allow you to reverify your account without a passcode for 7 days. After the grace period, you will be able to reverify your WhatsApp phone number without a passcode however, all pending messages in these 7 days will be lost. If your number is reverified on WhatsApp after 30 days of last using Whatsapp, and you do not have the passcode, your account will be deleted and a new one will be created upon successful reverification.

This sounds like a very troublesome feature to turn on, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. On top of that, WhatsApp will help you remember your passcode by periodically asking you to key in your passcode.

(Source: WhatsApp)