After announcing the feature last fall, WhatsApp is ready to drop the beta tag and release two-step verification to each of its 1.2 billion users on iOS, Android, and Windows devices.
If you’re one of the platform’s 1.2 billion users, you should have the feature now, although it may require you to update the app before you can access it.
If you’re unfamiliar, two-step verification adds additional security to an account by requiring a secondary method of authentication to access it. Your password, for example, provides the first piece of authentication, and a code sent via text message often acts as the second. For WhatsApp users, the first piece of authentication comes from you using the app on your mobile device, and the second is a six-digit passcode you’ll create once you enable the feature.
To enable the feature, open WhatsApp > Settings > Account > Two-step verification > Enable.
Every seven days, you’ll be required to enter the passcode to log in to the app. You won’t, however, have to enter it each time; thank god.
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