WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.7.8: what's new?
WhatsApp has released a new Android update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.26.7.8.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is working on a feature that allows users to secure their accounts with a password, and it will be available in a future update!
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature: | WhatsApp Password |
| Status: | Under development |
| Availability info: | This feature is currently in development and not yet available for beta testing. In the meantime, you can read this article for a sneak peek. |
| Previous news: | WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.6.10.70: what's new? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that lets users filter the media gallery in their chats! |
WhatsApp is working on an account password feature
In the post about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.24.10 update, we announced a feature to protect accounts using an email address. This functionality allows users to quickly regain access to their accounts if they are unable to receive the 6-digit code. For example, a user may temporarily not have their SIM card installed on their device. In this case, they may be unable to request the verification code. With this feature, users can use their registered email address to verify their identity and securely access their account without delay.
It seems that WhatsApp wants to offer new ways for users to enhance the security of their accounts. With new tools under development, WhatsApp aims to further protect accounts against unauthorized access. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.7.8 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is working on a feature that allows users to secure their accounts with a password.
As you can see from the attached screenshot, WhatsApp is exploring the implementation of a feature that will introduce a password, scheduled for release in a future update. Currently, users can protect their accounts using two-step verification. This functionality requires a second verification code once the user has successfully registered their phone number on WhatsApp. This means that if an unauthorized user obtains the 6-digit code through techniques such as SIM swapping, they would have to enter a second verification code that only the account owner knows.
WhatsApp is adding an extra layer of security to the registration process by introducing account passwords. The account password is an alphanumeric string that users can choose to set in the app settings. It must be 6 to 20 characters long and include at least one letter and one number. Once set, WhatsApp will indicate whether the chosen password is strong enough. It's worth noting that users will be able to update or remove their password at any time, providing flexibility and control over their account security. Additionally, setting an account password is entirely optional, so users can decide whether they want this extra layer of protection.
The account password is always required after entering a 6-digit verification code during login. For example, if the user has set up an account password but not two-step verification, WhatsApp will ask the user to enter their account password. If the user has also set up two-step verification, they will first need to enter the 2FA code and then enter their account password. This ensures that even if someone obtains the 6-digit code and the 2FA code, they cannot access the account without the password. In reality, there is no evidence that an unauthorized user could also obtain the two-step verification code, so this situation remains unlikely for now.
WhatsApp plans to introduce passwords to maximize account security in a future update. Passwords add an extra layer of protection beyond the 6-digit verification code, making it harder for unauthorized users to access accounts. This significantly reduces the risk of account takeover, as even if a malicious actor obtains the verification code through SIM swapping or if the device was hacked, they would still need both the two-step verification code and account password to gain access. As a result, account passwords will make it even more difficult for attackers to bypass authentication.
The feature that allows users to secure their accounts with a password is currently is under development, and it is planned for release in a future update. At the moment, WhatsApp is refining how passwords can secure accounts against unauthorized access. Once testing is complete, the feature will be gradually rolled out to users, giving them the ability to protect their accounts using a new layer of security.
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