WhatsApp adds email verification for authentication

WhatsApp is currently rolling out an update to allow users to link their account to an email address. As a result, people can authenticate on WhatsApp using email verification instead of SMS. The feature was previously available in a beta version of WhatsApp, and now anyone can use it.

WhatsApp adding email verification

As noted WABetaInfo, version 23.24.70 of WhatsApp for iPhone, released today on the App Store, adds the email verification functionality. This option does not replace SMS verification, but it works as an alternative when users are in an area without cellular coverage and need to log into their WhatsApp account.

To add an email address to your account, tap the Your Profile tab, choose the Account menu and tap Email Address. WhatsApp clarifies that the email address is only used to access the account and will not be visible to other users.

One thing to keep in mind is that the email address is only used for authentication, so you still need a valid phone number to use WhatsApp. WhatsApp has developed a new feature that will allow users to set a username that can be shared with others instead of a phone number, but this option has not yet been released.

Learn more about WhatsApp

Earlier this month, WhatsApp launched its new macOS app, completely rebuilt to run natively on Mac computers. In October, the app began rolling out the ability to use two WhatsApp accounts on the same device. It also added support for passwords on Android.

WhatsApp is available for free on the App Store. Make sure you install the latest version of the app to benefit from all the new features.