Meta has introduced three new security features for WhatsApp that can increase users' account security against account theft and fraud.
According to Eitna citing 9to5mac, these changes include broader support for Passkey, stronger two-step verification, and displaying more information about unknown callers.
The most important change is the ability to use multiple Passkeys for a single WhatsApp account. This feature is especially useful for users who simultaneously use iPhone and Android devices. A passkey allows users to re‑authenticate to their account using methods like Face ID, Touch ID, or their lock screen code, reducing reliance on traditional login methods.
WhatsApp has stated that now more than one billion people use Passkey to re‑authenticate to their accounts. This feature was first offered on Android in October 2023 and reached iPhone a few months later.
The next important change relates to Two-Step Verification. Previously users used a six‑digit PIN for this security layer, but now it is possible to set a full alphanumeric password including special characters. This change can provide greater protection against account takeover attempts, even if an attacker has obtained the user's one‑time code.
WhatsApp has also introduced a new feature to make calls from unknown people more secure. Currently this feature is only active on Android and shows more information when someone not saved in the user's contacts calls. For example, the user can see whether the number is from another country or whether they share a group with the caller.
This information can help users make a better decision about the caller's identity before answering suspicious calls and reduce the likelihood of falling victim to phone scams.
Of course, iPhone also has a similar feature called Call Screening which was introduced for regular phone calls in iOS 26. This feature asks an unknown caller to state their name and reason for calling, although it currently does not apply to WhatsApp calls.