WhatsApp users need to switch on old phone for verification to use app on new device

Instant messaging platform WhatsApp users may need to switch on their old phone to verify themselves for using the app on a new device, the company said on Thursday.

In addition to this, the company will be rolling out two new features, including device verification to help prevent malware from taking over the WhatsApp account and sending out messages without the user’s knowledge or permission.

“If you need to switch your WhatsApp account to a new device – we want to double-check that it’s really you. From now on, we may ask you on your old device to verify that you want to take this step as an extra security check.