WhatsApp Adds Stronger Passwords, Multiple Passkeys
New security tools also give Android users more caller information
Key Developments:
- WhatsApp is replacing six-digit PINs with stronger passwords
- Users can add multiple passkeys to one WhatsApp account
- Android users get more information about unknown callers
(ALMCORP) — September 23, 2026: WhatsApp has introduced a series of account-security updates, including stronger two-step verification, support for multiple passkeys and additional information for calls from unknown numbers.
The changes are designed to give users more options for protecting their accounts and additional context when receiving calls from people outside their contacts. WhatsApp announced the updates in August, with further coverage of the features appearing on September 22.
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Under the updated two-step verification system, WhatsApp is moving beyond the traditional six-digit PIN and allowing users to set a longer password containing letters, numbers and special characters.
WhatsApp said: “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.”
WhatsApp Passkeys Reach 1 Billion Users as Two-Step Verification Gets Stronger Passwords. CREDIT: Cyber Security News.
The company added: “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.”
The change gives users the option to move away from easily guessed numerical combinations. WhatsApp has specifically encouraged people using simple PINs to switch to the stronger password format.
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WhatsApp is also expanding passkey support. The company says more than one billion people have already set up a passkey, which allows users to access their accounts using methods such as a fingerprint, Face ID or their device's screen-lock code. Users can now add more than one passkey to an account, including when they use devices across Android and iOS.
For users with multiple devices, the change provides an additional way to maintain passkey-based access without relying on a single registered device. WhatsApp directs users to Settings > Account > Passkeys to manage the feature.
Another update concerns calls from numbers that are not saved in a user's contacts. On Android, WhatsApp will display additional information on the incoming-call screen, including whether the caller's number is from another country and whether the caller and recipient are members of any groups together.
WhatsApp said the additional information is intended to give users more context before answering an unfamiliar call. The feature does not itself establish that a caller is fraudulent; users still need to exercise caution with unknown numbers.
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The three changes address different aspects of account security: stronger credentials for two-step verification, greater flexibility through multiple passkeys, and additional information before answering calls from unknown contacts.
The changes aim to make account access safer while giving users more control over suspicious login attempts and calls. CREDIT: The Mac Observer.
The updates may also be relevant to businesses and organisations that use WhatsApp to communicate with customers. Stronger account-security options can provide an additional layer of protection, although users and businesses should continue using other security measures and remain alert to phishing, impersonation and other account-takeover attempts.
WhatsApp says the password-based two-step verification update is available for Android and iOS, while the additional caller information is being introduced for Android users. The features are being rolled out progressively, so availability may vary between accounts and devices.
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