After 16 years since its launch, WhatsApp is finally preparing to add account passwords. The new feature has been spotted in a recent WhatsApp Beta for Android version 2.26.7.8. It suggests that users will soon be able to add a password to their accounts for extra security.
Currently, logging into WhatsApp is simple. Users enter their phone number and receive a six-digit SMS code. Once the code is verified, the account is activated.
This system works, but it has a weakness. If someone gains access to your SIM card, they can receive the OTP and log into your account. That makes accounts vulnerable in certain situations.
The upcoming password option will add another security layer. It will not replace the current SMS verification process. Instead, it will work alongside it.
When enabled, the login process on a new device will look like this:
- First, enter the six-digit SMS code.
- Then, if enabled, enter the two-step verification PIN.
- Finally, enter the account password.
This multi-step system makes it much harder for someone to access your account without permission.
Importantly, setting a password will not be mandatory. Users can still continue using WhatsApp without adding one. It will be an optional security feature.
Right now, the password feature is only available in WhatsApp Beta for Android. There is no official confirmation about iOS support yet. Interestingly, another upcoming feature, message scheduling, is currently being tested only on iOS. This suggests Meta may be testing different features on different platforms before a wider rollout.
There is no word on when the password feature will arrive in the stable public version.
