WhatsApp has introduced a new layer of account protection by linking an email address to the messenger, a feature that is already visible in beta builds for Android and iOS according to WABetaInfo. In the current beta, users can attach an email to their account, enabling login from a new device through a verification code sent to that email. The option to activate login via SMS remains available, ensuring users have multiple verification paths.
To connect an email to an account, users should navigate to the Settings menu, open the Account section, and select the Email Address option. While this feature is optional, it is recommended for users who want an added safeguard for their profile. The email is private to the user and does not serve as a WhatsApp account ID or a full backup number, meaning it cannot be used to replace the existing phone-based identity or to access backups directly.
The exact date for a universal roll-out to all users has not been disclosed, so the feature remains in beta and may appear gradually across regions and devices. This aligns with WhatsApp’s cautious approach to adding security features, rolling them out to a subset of users first to monitor performance and usability before a wider release.
As a reminder, there have been recent reports of outages affecting millions of devices on the service in various regions. Tech outlets and user discussions have highlighted troubleshooting steps and potential fixes, underscoring the ongoing importance of reliable identity verification and recovery options for the platform. The beta email protection appears to be part of a broader push to fortify account security without compromising ease of use for everyday messaging.