WhatsApp is reportedly in the process of creating a fresh account verification approach, this time involving email verification. This new method will complement the existing verification process, which relies on SMS confirmation through a user’s mobile number.
As outlined by WABetaInfo, a glimpse of the email verification feature has been observed in the WhatsApp Beta version 2.23.16.15 for Android. This reveals that the feature is currently undergoing development and has yet to be officially released to the wider user base.
According to the provided screenshot, WhatsApp prompts users to input their email address as part of an account protection and verification step. Unfortunately, specific details regarding the functionality of this email verification are not yet available.
It is speculated that this email verification process may follow a pattern akin to the existing SMS-based phone number verification. Presently, the sole method for logging into WhatsApp and receiving verification codes revolves around using a phone number.
This development hints at the potential for WhatsApp users to have the choice to log in using an email address, thus broadening the accessibility options beyond relying solely on a phone number. This adaptability could prove particularly valuable in scenarios where accessing a phone number might pose challenges, be it due to network limitations or a lost device.
It’s important to note that, according to the same source, the utilization of email verification will be discretionary, providing users with the flexibility to opt in or out. This stands in contrast to the feature that prompts users to associate an email address when setting up a PIN for the two-step verification process.
In recent months, WhatsApp has been on a steady trajectory of introducing new features, including the ability to communicate with numbers not saved in one’s contacts and the inclusion of video messages. Moreover, WhatsApp’s pursuit of implementing usernames for user identification beyond the traditional reliance on phone numbers showcases their commitment to enhancing user experiences.
