WhatsApp is working on a new security feature called an optional login password that could make account hijacking harder. The feature, spotted by WABetaInfo in the latest beta builds, adds an extra credential on top of the usual SMS code and two-step verification
According to the report, the new account password must be between 6 and 20 characters long and include at least one letter and one number. The app will evaluate password strength and allow users to update or remove the password at any time. The feature is optional, meaning users can choose whether to enable the additional protection.
How the New WhatsApp Account Password Works
Under the current login system, users enter a six-digit verification code sent to their phone number. If two-step verification is enabled, users must also enter a secondary PIN.
With the new feature enabled, the login process would change as follows:
- If a user does not use two-step verification, WhatsApp will require the password after entering the six-digit verification code.
- If both two-step verification and the new account password are enabled, users will first enter the two-step verification PIN and then the account password.
This structure means that even if someone obtains the SMS verification code and the two-step verification PIN, they would still need the account password to complete the login process.
WABetaInfo reports that the goal is to further reduce the risk of account takeover attempts, including scenarios involving SIM swapping or compromised devices.
An Extra Layer Beyond WhatsApp’s Two-Step Verification
WhatsApp already offers two-step verification as an optional security measure. The new password feature would sit on top of that system rather than replace it.
According to WABetaInfo, WhatsApp plans to introduce account passwords in a future update to maximize account security. By requiring an additional credential during login, the company aims to make unauthorized access significantly more difficult.
WhatsApp has not provided details about regional availability, compatibility requirements, or whether the feature will launch simultaneously on Android and iOS.
Availability of WhatsApp’s Optional Account Password Remains Unclear
The account password feature has been identified in beta builds, but WhatsApp has not confirmed when it will roll out to stable versions of the app.
As with many beta features, there is no guarantee of a public release until the company makes an official announcement.