Overview
- WhatsApp began rolling out the package of security updates this week with multi‑passkey support and an alphanumeric two‑step password available on iOS and Android while contextual call info is appearing first on Android.
- The app now lets users register more than one device‑backed passkey per account and Meta says over 1,000 million people have already configured a passkey for WhatsApp.
- WhatsApp replaced the six‑digit two‑step PIN with the option to set a longer alphanumeric password that must meet basic rules such as a minimum length and use of letters and numbers to make guessing harder.
- Passkeys rely on the phone’s screen lock and the operating system key manager (Google/Samsung on Android or iCloud Keychain on iOS) so users must enable those device protections to use the feature.
- The moves reduce reliance on SMS one‑time codes and aim to curb SIM‑swap and social‑engineering attacks but availability may vary by app version and region so users should check Settings > Account to enable and manage the new options.