WhatsApp traditionally relies on phone numbers and OTP SMSes for user verification.
WhatsApp is rolling out the ability for users to verify their accounts via email address instead of the conventional SMS-based method. This new feature, currently showing up for iOS beta testers, provides an additional verification option beyond phone numbers.
As reported by WABetaInfo, the latest 23.24.70 update for WhatsApp’s iOS app enables email verification. Android users are expected to receive the feature soon as well. The rollout appears to be gradual, with the update reaching users in phases over the coming weeks.
By adding email verification, WhatsApp aims to boost authentication, especially for people in areas with spotty cellular coverage where SMS messages can be unreliable. Users can opt to keep their email addresses private and only known to WhatsApp for verification purposes.
While mobile numbers remain the primary method for authentication, email verification is a handy secondary option. It can serve as a backup when accessing WhatsApp in regions with poor connectivity.
Once enabled in Settings, users will get a six-digit code through email instead of text messages. This offers an alternative way to verify their identity and link devices.
The feature does not appear to be widely available yet but should become more prominent globally over the next few weeks as WhatsApp continues honing its offerings.
It’s part of the platform’s broader efforts to refine user experience through AI and other enhancements like support for Meta’s virtual assistant. As adoption grows, email verification promises more flexible and reliable authentication methods for WhatsApp’s over 2 billion users worldwide.
WhatsApp is rolling out the ability for users to verify their accounts via email address instead of the conventional SMS-based method. This new feature, currently showing up for iOS beta testers, provides an additional verification option beyond phone numbers.
As reported by WABetaInfo, the latest 23.24.70 update for WhatsApp’s iOS app enables email verification. Android users are expected to receive the feature soon as well. The rollout appears to be gradual, with the update reaching users in phases over the coming weeks.
By adding email verification, WhatsApp aims to boost authentication, especially for people in areas with spotty cellular coverage where SMS messages can be unreliable. Users can opt to keep their email addresses private and only known to WhatsApp for verification purposes.
While mobile numbers remain the primary method for authentication, email verification is a handy secondary option. It can serve as a backup when accessing WhatsApp in regions with poor connectivity.
Once enabled in Settings, users will get a six-digit code through email instead of text messages. This offers an alternative way to verify their identity and link devices.
The feature does not appear to be widely available yet but should become more prominent globally over the next few weeks as WhatsApp continues honing its offerings.
It’s part of the platform’s broader efforts to refine user experience through AI and other enhancements like support for Meta’s virtual assistant. As adoption grows, email verification promises more flexible and reliable authentication methods for WhatsApp’s over 2 billion users worldwide.
