The world is fast becoming digitized, with everything made easier with the advent of digital tools, these digital tools help us live interesting and amazing lives. With the advent of social media in 1997 when http://sixdegrees.com/ popped up as the first social media network and its popularization in 2005. Communication and sharing information across the web has turned out to be totally easy and ultimately stress-free.
These days, virtually everyone has a social media account with WhatsApp being one of the most used social media apps, according to statista.com,
“As of 2021, WhatsApp is most popular global mobile messenger app worldwide with approximately two billion monthly active users, outranking Facebook Messenger at 1.3 billion and WeChat at 1.2 billion users.”
As a result, WhatsApp has a lot of information and content flying around, from business transactions, to online courses and academics, online communities, buying and selling of goods and services, texting friends and family, sharing of content, and so on.
The importance of security in our everyday lives can not be overemphasized, ranging from securing our finances to securing our possessions by insurance, it’s actually much of a big deal. I must say, the feeling one gets knowing that their information and messages are safe and protected from third-party individuals is second to none. As it could prove disastrous for you if it gets into the hands of the wrong person.
WhatsApp has such a high rating of 4.4 on Google Play store and 4.7 on iOS due to its amazing in-app features and encryption for your messages and calls, preventing people with malicious motives hhh eavesdropping and getting access to your personal information.
A major feature across digital applications that serve as substitutes for actual actions performed in reality is the offer of protection by two-factor authentication (2FA). For example, digital banks, crypto wallets, Gmails, social media accounts amongst others are protected by a 2FA feature, personally, it makes me sleep better at night knowing I’ve got all my important information safe, and inaccessible by persons with ulterior motives. Lol!
We’ll be giving you a breakdown of “how to set up a two factor authentication for your WhatsApp account(s)” in this article in short simple steps.
Let’s get right into it. Having a two factor authentication system or two-step verification method is one of many methods strongly advised by WhatsApp to protect your sensitive information.
Others include:
- Not sharing your information with any other person.
- Setting a device code, pin or fingerprint.
- Be aware of who can access your phone.
What is Two-factor Authentication on WhatsApp?
As the name suggests, it is a process of locking up your account tightly against hackers and identity thieves in two simple steps. It is almost like using two doors or two windows to your apartment, that’s pretty safe, isn’t it.
It involves putting two safety measures in place. Two-step authentication is an optional feature that adds security to your WhatsApp account and proves your identity while logging on to WhatsApp.
Note: The 6-digit code you get via phone call or SMS upon registering your phone number on WhatsApp is different from a two-factor authentication.
How to Activate Two-step Authentication on WhatsApp
We recommend that you share these tips with your family, friends and acquaintances to better secure their WhatsApp accounts.
- Check if you’re using the updated version of the app.
You can do this by checking the Google Play Store for Android users or the App Store for iPhone users.
- Launch WhatsApp.
Tap on the three button icon at the top right corner of your screen. You’ll be taken to a menu as shown above.
- Select Settings.
Once you tap Settings, you’ll be taken to another menu, check for WhatsApp Account and select it.
- Select Two-step verification.
A prompt will come up for you to “Enable” the feature if it’s your first time using it. Select the “Enable” option.
Note: If 2FA is not your thing and you do not want it anymore, you can turn it off easily. You can always turn off the two-step authentication feature by simply choosing the “Disable” option.
- Enter your six-digit PIN.
The next action you’ll be needed to do is entering a six-digit password and confirming it. We recommend that you select a pin that is easy to remember, and numbers that do not follow each other sequentially.
As time goes on, should you want/need to reset your two-step authentication pin, it can also be done in these easy steps.
- Provide a valid email address.
You need to enter your email address as the second step needed to set up two-factor authentication for WhatsApp and safeguard your account.
According to WhatsApp, “If you receive an email to reset the two-step verification PIN or registration code but didn’t request this, don’t click on the link. Someone could be attempting to access your phone number on WhatsApp.“
- Select Next.
- Confirm your WhatsApp email account and tap Done.
You can Disable two-factor authentication on WhatsApp by:
- Open your WhatsApp Settings.
- Select Account » Two-step verification » Disable.
You can Add or Change an email address on WhatsApp by:
- Open your WhatsApp Settings.
- Select Account » Two-step verification » Add Email Address or Change Email Address.
You can Change your two-factor authentication PIN on WhatsApp by:
- Open your WhatsApp Settings.
- Select Account » Two-step verification » Change PIN.
After setting up your two factor authentication for WhatsApp, you might spend a few more seconds trying to log in or less, longer than usual. In the long run, we feel it’s worth it, you do not want to face the plight those who have had their accounts hacked have faced, you really would prefer this minor drawback to the arduous task of trying to recover your WhatsApp account.
Your account is now fully secure, you can enjoy WhatsApp with your friends, family, colleagues, business partners, tutors and have so much fun sharing fun content on the go.
Do you have any questions, thoughts or comments? Feel free to leave us a comment below. We also want to hear your experiences!
