- Users can configure multiple access keys for use on different devices.
- Two-step verification now supports more complex passwords with special characters.
- Unknown calls on Android show data such as country of origin or common groups.
- More than 1.000 billion people already use the access key, according to WhatsApp.
Protecting your WhatsApp account remains a top priority for the company, which continues to add tools to make users feel safe. The latest update brings several new features designed to strengthen access and provide more context before answering calls from unknown numbers.
Last month, over a billion people had already set up a passkey on WhatsApp , a method that allows them to identify themselves using biometric data such as their fingerprint, Face ID, or phone passcode. Now, WhatsApp has decided to take it a step further and allows users to add multiple passkeys to the same account, a very useful option for those who use the app on several devices, both Android and iOS.
Access keys: more than one for a single account
The access key relies on the device's own security systems, eliminating the need to remember traditional passwords. With this new feature, users can register multiple access keys and log in from any device without hassle. Configuration is done through the Settings → Account → Access Keys menu , where each device can be added.
As the platform explained, this feature makes life easier for those who switch between a personal phone and a tablet or second device, since they won't have to repeat the entire verification process each time. Furthermore, because it's based on biometric methods, it reduces the risk of unauthorized access to the account and helps prevent your WhatsApp account from being stolen.
The reception of this measure has been remarkable, with the company noting that over one billion users have already tested the access key. With this expansion, it is expected that even more people will begin using it as their primary login method.
Two-step verification with stronger passwords
The security layer everyone knows as two-step verification has also been improved. Until now, a six-digit PIN was required to lock your WhatsApp account and confirm your identity if someone tried to access it from a new device. WhatsApp has changed this system so that longer passwords with special characters can be created , significantly increasing the difficulty for attackers.
The process for changing it is just as simple as before: go to Settings → Account → Two-step verification and set a password that combines letters, numbers, and symbols. WhatsApp reminds users that it's crucial not to use easy codes like "123456," as these are the first ones cybercriminals try.
Get more information before answering unknown calls
Another area WhatsApp has decided to address is spam calls. Many users receive calls from unsaved numbers and are unsure whether to answer. Therefore, on Android devices, the app will begin displaying information about unknown numbers, such as their country of origin or whether they share any group chats with that person.
This information will be displayed directly on the call screen, so that before answering, callers can determine whether the call is worthwhile or if it's wiser to ignore it. The company emphasizes that "scammers exploit a sense of urgency," but this data can help prevent fraud.
Overall, WhatsApp has strengthened authentication with multi-key security, improved two-step verification, and added context to unknown callers. All of these features, combined with end-to-end encryption, provide a robust barrier, allowing users to manage their accounts with greater peace of mind and reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
