WhatsApp Adds Multiple Passkeys and Stronger Account Security Features
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WhatsApp is rolling out new account security features that expand passkey support, strengthen two-step verification and provide users with more information about calls from unknown numbers.
The update builds on WhatsApp’s existing security tools as the messaging platform continues to introduce new ways to help users protect their accounts. According to the company, more than one billion people now use a passkey with WhatsApp.
WhatsApp Now Supports Multiple Passkeys
WhatsApp introduced passkey support in 2023, allowing users to verify their identity when logging back into their account using their fingerprint, Face ID or device screen-lock code instead of relying on traditional codes or PINs.
More than one billion people have now set up a passkey, according to WhatsApp.
The company is now expanding the feature by allowing users to add more than one passkey to the same WhatsApp account. This can be useful for people who use both Android and iOS devices and want to use passkeys across more than one device or platform.
Users can access the feature through:
Settings > Account > Passkeys
| Security Features | What Is Changing |
| Passkeys | Users can add more than one passkey |
| Device support | Multiple passkeys can be used across Android and iOS |
| Two-step verification | Six-digit PIN system is being upgraded to a longer password option |
| Password format | Letters, numbers and special characters can be included |
| Unknown calls | Android users receive more information about unfamiliar callers |
WhatsApp Strengthens Two-Step Verification
WhatsApp is also upgrading its two-step verification system.
Previously, the feature used a six-digit PIN as an additional layer of protection. The company is now introducing a longer password option that can include letters, numbers and special characters.
Two-step verification is designed to provide additional account protection if someone obtains a user’s one-time passcode. The longer and more complex password format gives users the ability to create credentials that are more difficult to guess than a simple six-digit numerical PIN.
WhatsApp has encouraged users who rely on easily guessed PINs, such as common number combinations, to consider upgrading to a stronger password.
More Context for Calls From Unknown Numbers
Another part of the WhatsApp update focuses on calls from people who are not saved in a user’s contacts.
On Android, WhatsApp will show additional information about an unfamiliar caller before the user decides whether to answer. This information can include whether the caller’s number is from a different country and whether the user and caller have any WhatsApp groups in common.
The feature is intended to provide users with more context before answering an unfamiliar call. It may help users make more informed decisions, particularly when receiving unexpected calls from unknown numbers.
However, the additional information does not automatically determine whether a caller is legitimate or fraudulent. Users should still be cautious when dealing with unexpected calls or requests from unfamiliar contacts.
Why the WhatsApp Security Update Matters
The latest changes focus on three areas of account protection and user awareness.
Multiple passkeys provide greater flexibility for users who access WhatsApp across different devices and platforms. The updated two-step verification system gives users the option to move beyond a short numerical PIN to a longer password containing different types of characters.
Meanwhile, the new caller context feature gives Android users more information about unfamiliar callers before they answer.
WhatsApp Security Updates at a Glance
| Updates | Purpose |
| Multiple passkeys | Allows more than one passkey to be associated with an account |
| Stronger two-step verification | Introduces longer passwords with letters, numbers and special characters |
| Unknown caller context | Provides additional information before answering calls on Android |
| Shared group information | Shows whether an unfamiliar caller has groups in common with the user |
| Country information | Indicates when an unfamiliar number is from another country |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add more than one passkey to WhatsApp?
Yes. WhatsApp is introducing support for multiple passkeys on the same account, particularly helping users who use both Android and iOS devices.
What is changing with WhatsApp two-step verification?
The existing six-digit PIN is being upgraded to a longer password format that can include letters, numbers and special characters.
What information will WhatsApp show for unknown callers?
On Android, WhatsApp can show whether an unfamiliar number is from another country and whether the caller shares any WhatsApp groups with the recipient.
Does the caller information automatically identify scam calls?
No. The feature provides additional context about unfamiliar callers but does not automatically determine whether a caller is legitimate or fraudulent.
Where can I manage WhatsApp passkeys?
Users can manage passkeys through Settings > Account > Passkeys in WhatsApp.
Conclusion
The latest WhatsApp update expands the platform’s approach to account security by introducing support for multiple passkeys, strengthening two-step verification and providing more context for calls from unfamiliar numbers.
The ability to use multiple passkeys could be particularly useful for people who use both Android and iOS devices, while the move from a six-digit PIN to a longer password option gives users more flexibility when protecting their accounts.
For Android users, additional caller information may also provide useful context before answering unfamiliar calls. Together, the updates add new options for account protection while giving users greater visibility and control over how they interact with unfamiliar contacts.
