WhatsApp announces three ways to make accounts more secure

Meta recently announced a series of enhanced security features for WhatsApp, aimed at bolstering user protection. The update introduces multiple passkey options, a welcome addition for users of both iOS and Android devices. Currently, over 1 billion users utilize passkeys, which allow them to access their accounts via Face ID, Touch ID, or a screen lock code.

Initially introduced for Android in October 2023 and later for iPhone in April of the following year, passkeys now offer more flexibility. Furthermore, WhatsApp is broadening its two-step verification process beyond the traditional six-digit PIN, now accommodating full alphanumeric passwords, including special characters. According to WhatsApp, "two-step verification is an extra protection layer that helps prevent someone from taking over your account, even if they get hold of your one-time passcode."

Detailed instructions on this security measure can be found here. Lastly, to improve safety when answering calls from unfamiliar numbers on Android, WhatsApp has added a feature that provides additional context. For non-contact callers, users will now see information such as the number's origin country and any shared groups. This extra detail can help individuals decide whether to answer an unknown call, reducing the risk of falling victim to scams.

While this feature is currently exclusive to Android, iPhone users can utilize a comparable feature called Call Screening, which is available on iPhones running iOS 26. This feature automatically requests the caller's name and reason for calling before the iPhone rings. Although it does not integrate with WhatsApp calls, more information about Call Screening can be found here.

For further details on WhatsApp's latest security enhancements, interested readers can follow the provided link.