WhatsApp adds new passkey and two-step verification options

WhatsApp wants to improve its account security options by rolling out new passkey options and alphanumeric passwords for two-step verification. The app is also adding more information on calls to help users avoid scams.

First, on passkeys. WhatsApp said that more than one billion users have created a passkey in the app since it added the option in 2023, providing an extra layer of security for account access and backups.

Now, WhatsApp is enhancing its passkey options, with users able to add more than one passkey to an account on both Android and iOS devices.

The app is also rolling out longer, alphanumeric codes for two-step verification, which should make it harder for hackers to break in.

As explained by 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. Until now it was a six-digit PIN, we’ve now upgraded it to a full password: longer, alphanumeric, and even with special ch@racters to make it harder to guess. If you've been using ‘123456,’ this is your sign to upgrade.”

The added complexity should greatly expand the possible combination options, making it much harder for any external users to access accounts.  

WhatsApp’s also adding more context to the call display to show users who is calling before they accept the call.

“On Android, you'll now see more information about a non-contact caller, like whether the number is from a different country and if you have any groups in common,” the company said.

That will make it easier to screen scam callers and avoid unwanted calls in the app.

Security and privacy remain the key focus for WhatsApp, which has become an increasingly relied-upon tool for private messaging and is valuable in many contexts.

These updates add more to the app’s security approach, which could offer more reassurance to users.