How to Reset WhatsApp Password for Security Reasons

Verification is required for almost everything nowadays, and if you’re thinking of skipping out on it, you shouldn’t. You’ll be surprised by the amount of data and other sensitive files lost just because you forgot to set up a verification PIN for your WhatsApp. It may seem unimportant, but it’s not. But what happens when you forget your WhatsApp verification PIN? Not sure how to change it? Don’t worry! This guide shows you how to reset WhatsApp password for security reasons or if you forgot your PIN code. 

TIP – If you’re tired of forgetting your WhatsApp PIN code and other passwords, consider using the best password manager. It not only helps users create unique and strong passwords, but is designed to let you store WhatsApp passwords and other sensitive data in its digital vault. 

Getting locked out of WhatsApp is frustrating, but it can also make you panic. This is also because the app doesn’t unlock with a traditional username and password. What most people call a “WhatsApp password” is actually the 6‑digit PIN. This PIN is crucial for two‑step verification (2FA). 

This extra layer of security helps keep your account safe, but if you forget that PIN, you’ll need to reset it. Head down to the tutorials showing you how to reset your WhatsApp PIN with and without your email. 

What Does “Reset WhatsApp Password” Mean?

Before jumping to the tutorial, let’s first understand what “reset WhatsApp password” really means:

• Two‑step verification PIN – It’s a 6‑digit number you create when prompted and if you enable its settings. WhatsApp asks for it periodically, and whenever you register your account on a new device. This is what is called your WhatsApp password.
• End‑to‑end encrypted backup password – This is a separate password or a 64‑digit key. It helps protect your chat backups stored on Google Drive or iCloud. It is not the same as your 2FA PIN.

With that in mind, the tutorials highlighted below focus on resetting the 2FA PIN. However, just for your reference, I’ve also included a short section for backup passwords at the end.

How to Reset WhatsApp Password

Here are a few methods showing you how to reset or change your WhatsApp PIN code: 

Method 1: Reset WhatsApp Password With Email Address (2FA PIN)

This is the easiest and quickest way to reset your WhatsApp password. It works smoothly if you have previously added an email address to your two‑step verification settings. Here’s how to get started: 

• Open WhatsApp on your phone.
• When prompted for your 6‑digit PIN, look below the entry field and select “Forgot PIN?”. 
• You will now see a pop‑up; select “Send Email.”
• WhatsApp will issue a reset link to the email address you registered with two‑step verification.
• Open your email inbox. If you don’t see it, check the spam/junk folder; it’s usually there. 
• Now, click the reset link that you received in the email.

You will be taken back to WhatsApp.

• Tap “Confirm” or “Reset.”
• Create a new 6‑digit PIN and confirm it.
• Optionally, you can also re‑enter your email address for future resets.

That’s it. You’ve now reset WhatsApp password and use the app again with your new PIN.

Method 2: Reset WhatsApp PIN Without Email (7‑Day Wait)

If you never added an email address or lost access to that email account, don’t panic. WhatsApp has a recovery process, but it takes a bit of time. Before starting this method, here’s what you need to know: 

• You will have to wait 7 days after your last successful WhatsApp use.
• After the 7‑day waiting period, you can reset your account and set up a new PIN.

Now, let’s get started: 

• Open WhatsApp and try to enter your PIN (it doesn’t matter if you’ve forgotten it.)
• After several failed attempts, WhatsApp will display a “Forgot PIN?” option.
• Tap on “Forgot PIN?” and then select “Reset Account.”
• WhatsApp will now inform you about the 7‑day waiting period. Confirm that you understand.

Ensure that you wait the full 7-day period. During this time, do not try signing in repeatedly, because this might reset the timer, increasing the waiting period. 

• After the time period passes, open WhatsApp again.
• Tap “Forgot PIN?” > “Reset Account.”
• Your account will be reset.

Please note that you will lose any undelivered messages, but your main chat history (ensure it’s backed up) can be restored.

• Now set up two‑step verification again from “Settings” > “Account” > “Two‑step verification” > “Enable.”
• Create a new 6‑digit WhatsApp PIN and, crucially, set up a working email address so you can avoid this situation next time.

Important! WhatsApp cannot bypass this 7‑day waiting period. No customer support request can speed it up. The wait is designed to prevent someone else from hijacking your account.

Method 3: Reset Your Encrypted Backup Password (If You Forgot It)

Just in case you didn’t know, your backup password is separate from the 2FA PIN. If you’ve forgotten your end‑to‑end encrypted backup password, you can change it. However, this is only possible if you still have access to your WhatsApp account. Here’s how to change your WhatsApp backup password: 

• Open WhatsApp and go to “Settings.”
• Tap “Chats” > “Chat backup.”
• Select “End‑to‑end encrypted backup.”
• Tap “Change password.”
• Select “I forgot my password.”
• Create a new password for your backup.

If you cannot access your WhatsApp account at all and you’ve forgotten the backup password, your old backups cannot be restored. 

WhatsApp does not have any ways for you to recover them. In that case, you may need to start fresh, without restoring a backup, or, use a much older backup that wasn’t encrypted.

What is the 64‑Digit Encryption Key? (Backup Password)

The 64‑digit encryption key is a one‑of‑a‑kind, randomly generated mix of letters and numbers. It’s designed to protect your WhatsApp end‑to‑end encrypted backups. It gives you an option instead of making up your own password. 

Some users often prefer a 64‑digit encryption key instead of a password for their backups. If you lose this key, WhatsApp has no way to restore it or get into your backup for you.

Reset WhatsApp Password – Troubleshooting Guide

While attempting to change your WhatsApp PIN, you may encounter some issues. Even though it’s very uncommon, it’s still important that you’re aware of them and their solutions. These include: 

How to Avoid Getting Locked Out Again

You’ve reset your PIN, but you should ensure it doesn’t happen again. Here’s how to avoid it: 

• Add a working email address to your two‑step verification. Go to “Settings” > “Account” > “Two‑step verification” > “Add email address.”
• Save your PIN in a secure place like a trusted password manager. FastestPass’s security vault is best for storing it safely.
• Keep your backup password in a separate location from your 2FA PIN.
• Regularly check that your email address is still correct in WhatsApp settings. This is especially important if you change email providers.

FAQs – Reset WhatsApp PIN Code

To Conclude

If you need to reset WhatsApp password (the 2FA PIN), it’s usually straightforward if you have an email address linked to your account. However, without an email, you’ll need to wait a full week before ultimately regaining access. 

The encrypted backup password is a different story; it can only be reset while you’re logged in. So, if you lose both account access and the backup password, your old backups are gone.

This is why you need to get some steps sorted when setting up your WhatsApp account. Always add an email address, store your PIN safely, and consider using a password manager. That way, you’ll never be locked out of your important and private chats again.