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WhatsApp Tests Optional Account Password to Bolster Login Security

The planned credential addresses SIM‑swap risks by requiring a user‑chosen password during sign‑ins.

Overview

  • The feature is in development, with one report citing visibility in Android beta 2.26.7.8 while another notes it is not yet available to public testers.
  • Users would set a password 6 to 20 characters long that includes at least one letter and one number.
  • The password is expected to be requested when logging in on a new device and may be re‑prompted on an existing device after a period of time.
  • Use is optional, with the password serving either as an alternative to the six‑digit code or as an additional step, and it can be changed or removed at any time.
  • WhatsApp plans a gradual rollout and has not provided a release date, positioning the option to curb takeovers that exploit intercepted SMS verification codes.