WhatsApp has announced several new security features for its iOS and Android apps. The latest changes focus on protecting accounts, making unknown calls easier to understand, and giving users more secure ways to sign in.

The biggest update is an improvement to WhatsApp’s two-step verification system. Users can now protect their accounts with a password instead of relying only on a PIN. The password must contain at least eight characters, including at least one letter and one number.

WhatsApp Adds New Security Features for iOS and Android Users

A password gives users more combinations than a short PIN. This can make it harder for someone to guess the security credential and gain unauthorized access to an account. Users who have received the feature can find the new password option in their account settings.

WhatsApp is rolling out the feature gradually on the latest versions of its iOS and Android apps. If the password option does not appear yet, users may need to wait for a future update.

More information about Unknown Callers

WhatsApp is also adding more information about unknown calls on Android. The app can now provide additional context when a user receives a call from an unfamiliar number.

For example, users may see if the caller is using a number from another country. WhatsApp can also show how many groups the user and the caller have in common.

This information could help users decide whether they should answer an unknown call. It may also help them identify suspicious calls and avoid potential scams.

Multiple Passkeys are now Supported

Another important security improvement allows users to add more than one passkey to their WhatsApp account.

Passkeys offer a more secure way to sign in without depending on traditional passwords. Supporting multiple passkeys also gives users greater flexibility when accessing their accounts from different devices.

Together, these changes give WhatsApp users more options to protect their accounts and reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

WhatsApp is Also Testing Scam Alert

Alongside the announced security updates, WhatsApp is testing a Scam Alert feature with a limited number of Android beta users.

The feature uses an on-device machine learning system to examine messages from unknown contacts and look for patterns associated with scams. According to the information provided, the analysis happens on the device, so the message content is not sent to WhatsApp or Meta for this process.

If the system detects a possible scam, WhatsApp can display a warning. Users can then block or report the contact or mark the conversation as trusted.

Scam Alert is optional and is turned off by default. Users can also disable it whenever they want.

See Also: WhatsApp Starts Rolling Out Admin Profiles for Channels

Other WhatsApp Features in Development

WhatsApp is working on several other changes beyond security. The company is preparing a new payment section that could allow users to manage cards, billing details and shipping information. It is also exploring the option to send payments directly to contacts in supported markets.

The messaging platform is also rolling out admin profiles for channels. Channel administrators can create a separate name and profile photo, helping followers identify which admin published a particular update.

On iOS, WhatsApp is introducing new categories for chat themes, including Featured, Nature, Live, Minimal and Doodle. The app will automatically adjust chat bubble colors to maintain readable text.

Another feature in development is a smart chat filter called “To You.” It will collect conversations where users have been mentioned or received replies, making it easier to find important interactions in busy chats.

WhatsApp is rolling out these features at different times. Some are already reaching users, while others remain limited to beta testing or are still under development.