Popular SMS WhatsApp finally lets its users log in to the app through their email accounts.
Users can now authenticate their accounts with an email address as an alternative to phone numbers.
WhatsApp can only previously be accessed by a six-digit code sent via SMS, a frustrating problem for users in areas with poor cellular coverage.
Now, users can receive verification code on their email address, providing more flexibility and accessibility for many.
The feature will soon be available as part of the 23.24.70 update for iPhone and Google Apps Store.
Also Read: WhatsApp To Release Three New Security Features Soon
How to Link Email Adress to WhatsApp
Once the update rolls out, users can use the feature by accessing the app's Options menu.
Open the Account settings, then select the Email Address option. Enter the desired email address to be used to verify the WhatsApp account. Tap Next.
The six-digit code will soon drop on the account's inbox. Type the code on WhatsApp, or if you have an autofill feature on your device to automatically enter the code, to verify.
Once WhatsApp verifies the account, the email address can be used to open the app even across multiple devices.
WhatsApp Security Improvements in 2023
Email verification is part of WhatsApp's move to enhance the safety and security to users' accounts.
The SMS app earlier added new security features like Chat Lock, Account Protect, and Device Verification. WhatsApp now also allows sent messages to be edited.
This is added on top of WhatsApp's existing end-to-end encrypted chats and encrypted backups to protect accounts from scams.
WhatsApp is also working on a username feature as an additional layer of privacy when sharing information with other users.
The feature is set to allow users to choose their unique usernames rather than being required to share the phone number and the user's full name with others.
A username feature will also be beneficial when transacting with businesses and strangers, providing more general private conversations among users.
WhatsApp's competitor, Telegram, has a similar privacy feature.
Related Article: WhatsApp May Hide Phone Numbers When Reacting to Messages Soon
