WhatsApp introduces email verification for account authentication

Users can now link email address for authentication in areas with limited cellular coverage.

The feature, previously available in the beta version, is now accessible to all users. In version 23.24.70 of WhatsApp for iPhone, released on the App Store, the email verification option provides an alternative method for authentication when users? for example, are in areas without cellular coverage and need to log in to their WhatsApp account.

To add an email address to the account, users can navigate to the Your Profile tab, select the Account menu, and tap Email Address. WhatsApp emphasizes that the email address is solely used for account access and remains invisible to other users.

It's important to note that email verification does not replace SMS verification but serves as a convenient alternative.

Although the email address is only used for authentication, a valid phone number is still required to use WhatsApp. The messaging platform is also reportedly working on a feature that allows users to set a username, which can be shared instead of a phone number, although this feature is yet to be released.