How to enable two-factor authentication in WhatsApp for Android

Whenever you're setting up WhatsApp on a new phone, you'll have to verify the phone number with a one-time password. WhatsApp also lets you add an extra layer of security in the form of a PIN. This way, you will have to enter the one-time password sent to your registered phone number on top of a six-digit PIN before you can install WhatsApp on your phone. This ensures you have dual protective layers, which is why it's called two-factor authentication. Here's how you can enable two-factor authentication in WhatsApp for Android.

How to enable two-factor authentication in WhatsApp for Android

It may be pointedly obvious, but please make sure you have WhatsApp Messenger installed on your phone before starting.

1. Open WhatsApp on your Android phone.
2. Tap the three dots on the top right corner.

3. Tap Settings.

   Source: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central

4. Tap Account.
5. Select Two-step verification.

6. Hit Enable to set up a PIN.

   Source: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central

7. Enter your six-digit PIN.
8. Add an email address that will be used to reset your PIN should you forget it.

9. Confirm your email address and hit Done to finish.

   Source: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central

You'll now need to enter your PIN the next time you're setting up WhatsApp, whether that's on a new phone or if you're reinstalling the app. It's easy enough to reset the PIN should you forget it, so make sure you furnish an email account, so you don't get locked out of your account.

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Even though Facebook owns WhatsApp, users still have comfort in the app's end-to-end encryption that ensures their privacy. Then there are other things such as free text messages and VoIP calls (audio and video), a simple and easy-to-use interface, plenty of stickers, emojis, and GIFs, and the ability to share a wide variety of files. You can send documents, music, videos, photos, links, and even APK files through the app. You can share your location and contacts, just about anything under the sun.