As a responsible social media platform, WhatsApp lets users set up two-factor authentication (2FA) to protect their accounts. However, unlike Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google, or Microsoft, 2FA works differently on WhatsApp. The instant messaging app asks for a PIN when you try to sign in with your mobile number.
You can’t generate an authentication code from a top 2FA app like Authy or Google Authenticator and enter the same in WhatsApp to confirm your identity. You must enter the six-digit PIN that you used during the 2FA setup.
Why WhatsApp Keeps Asking for PIN
Two-factor authentication is an optional feature on WhatsApp. Many opt for it to secure their account from unauthorized use. You can read our dedicated post to set up 2FA on WhatsApp. WhatsApp only asks for your email address and a PIN during setup.
You need to remember the added 2FA PIN in WhatsApp to access your account. While we recommend storing your WhatsApp PIN in a dedicated password manager like 1Password, LastPass, Dashlane, or SafeInCloud, not everyone uses such third-party apps.
Forgetting your two-factor authentication PIN can lead to major inconveniences. That’s why WhatsApp periodically asks for a PIN to help you remember it. It’s not a bug but an expected behavior to ensure you don’t forget the WhatsApp PIN.
If you want to stop WhatsApp from asking for your PIN every few days, you can disable the two-factor authentication entirely. Although we don’t advise turning off 2FA on WhatsApp, the company’s frequent pop-ups to enter the PIN can irritate some.
How to Disable Two-Step Verification PIN on WhatsApp
You can disable the two-step verification PIN in WhatsApp for Android and iPhone. We will start with the Android app and move to the iOS version to disable the security feature.
WhatsApp for Android
Step 1: Launch WhatsApp on Android. Tap the three vertical dots menu in the top-right corner and open Settings.
Step 2: Select Account. Open Two-step verification.
Step 3: Tap Turn off and confirm the same from the pop-up menu.
You can change your PIN and email address from the same menu.
WhatsApp for iPhone
Step 1: Open WhatsApp on your iPhone and move to Settings.
Step 2: Select Account.
Step 3: and tap Two-Step Verification and tap Turn Off.
After that, WhatsApp won’t ask for a verification PIN.
Should You Disable Two-Factor Authentication on WhatsApp
WhatsApp only requires your mobile number and a security code (received on the same number) to let you access the account. With a growing SIM swapping practice among scammers and hackers, protecting your WhatsApp account from others is important.
When you set up 2FA on WhatsApp, the app asks you to enter the six-digit code before letting you access the conversations. Since WhatsApp is essential for many users and businesses, we don’t recommend disabling two-factor authentication.
You may need to deal with frequent pop-ups asking for a verification PIN. We feel it’s an acceptable tradeoff for securing your account. However, we would like to see a traditional 2FA implementation from WhatsApp that relies on a six-digit code from Google or Microsoft authenticator app.
How Often Does WhatsApp Ask for Your PIN
When you register your WhatsApp account on a new Android phone or iPhone, WhatsApp asks for a six-digit PIN to verify your identity. As for pop-ups during conversations, WhatsApp asks for a PIN once a week or two.
What Happens When You Forget WhatsApp PIN
Did you forget your six-digit WhatsApp PIN? You don’t need to sweat out here. When you set up 2FA on WhatsApp, you can enter your email address to reset the PIN. You shouldn’t skip that step so that you can use your added email address and change the WhatsApp PIN to access the account. Â
Can I Lock WhatsApp on iPhone and Android
WhatsApp supports biometric authentication to lock the app on iPhone and Android. You can check our dedicated guide to lock WhatsApp with Face ID or fingerprint on iPhone and Android.
Remember Your WhatsApp PIN
WhatsApp doesn’t want you to forget the 2FA PIN of your account. That’s why it keeps asking you to enter the same every few days. While you can turn off the behavior, remember the consequences before disabling 2FA on WhatsApp.
Last updated on 07 June, 2023
The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.
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DID YOU KNOW
The Blackberry app for WhatsApp was developed by Chris Peiffer.
Two step verification WhatsApp pin locked ho gaya hai aur e-mail address bhi bhool Gaye hain kaise WhatsApp open Karen
Hey body,my WhatsApp ask me a two step verification pin but I haven’t.what can I do?