WhatsApp is reportedly developing a flash call feature that helps users log into their accounts quickly. When a user tries to log in to WhatsApp , a 6-digit code is sent to their phone for verification. A new alternate method is reportedly being developed wherein WhatsApp will make a flash call to the user for verification purposes. This will enable users to log in faster than the SMS verification process and should prove useful once multi-device support is rolled out and users can log in to multiple devices simultaneously.
Whatsapp Flash Calls
More details about the Flash Call feature were shared by WhatsApp feature tracker WABetaInfo which was first spotted in WhatsApp beta version 2.21.11.7. Through this method, “WhatsApp will call your phone number and then terminate the call automatically, verifying that the last phone number in your phone log is equal to the number that gives you a 6 digit code.” This phone number is always different, so there is no way to dodge this method to ensure a secure experience,” says WABetaInfo.
For this feature to work, WhatsApp will reportedly ask the user for permission to make and manage calls and access the phone’s logs. WhatsApp is reportedly working on an introduction to the feature to explain why it needs these permission grants. WABetaInfo reports that WhatsApp will not use your call history for other purposes. It will only compare the last entry in your call history with the phone number that is about to call you and will not be used for other situations.
Additionally, the feature tracker reports that the Flash Call feature will not be implemented on WhatsApp for iOS as Apple does not provide any public API to read the call history. Also, this feature is optional, and users can continue to log in to WhatsApp by verifying the 6-digit code received via SMS or call. This flash call feature is under development and is not yet enabled in beta.
