WhatsApp, the well-known instant messaging service that is used by billions of people globally, is currently testing a new feature that lets users access their accounts via email addresses in the same way that they can with phone numbers.
If users are unable to get the 6-digit OTP (one-time password) by SMS, they can enter their WhatsApp account using this new function, called 'Email Verification'.
The capability was initially seen in the iOS and Android beta versions of WhatsApp, claims WABetaInfo. The option for users to link their WhatsApp account to an email address may be fouYoutnd in a new section of the 'Account Settings' menu.
According to a SamMobile article, several beta testers have noticed that the settings menu now offers the ability to associate email addresses with their accounts. It is also stated on the setup page that the inserted email address cannot be read by others.
The report states that in order for users to create accounts, they must authenticate their email addresses. A warning prompt appears if they don't validate their account. To resend the verification email to the added address, there is an extra 'Verify email' button.
When consumers are unable to get a verification code via SMS or do not have their registered phone number on hand, the email address feature will probably be used as a fallback option.
This email verification technique has been tested by WhatsApp for a few months, and it is now progressively being made available to further beta testers.
Although this feature is now exclusive to a small group of users using the most recent beta version of the app, it is anticipated that WhatsApp will expand the availability of this feature soon.
It's important to remember that WhatsApp has been testing and introducing new features all the time. These include of functions like voice memo and sticker sharing on channels, support for multiple accounts on one device, and forward and rewind buttons for videos similar to those on YouTube.
