WhatsApp today announced a bunch of new features that are aimed at making the calls and messages on its platform safer and more security. The company has introduced features like improved two-factor authentication and context for calls and messages on its platform. It has also extended support for passkeys on Android and iOS devices. Here’s everything you need to know about these features and why they are important now more than ever.
Passkey support gets extended
The Meta-owned messaging has extended support for passkeys on both Android and iOS devices. For the unversed, WhatsApp first brought support for passkeys to Android devices back in October 2023. It then extended support to iOS devices in April 2024. Now, the company has announced users will be able to set more than one passkeys for their account on both Android and iOS devices.
How to create a passkey on Android
To set up a passkey, you will need a device running Android 9 version or later model device with lock screen set up and a password manager account set up such as a Google account in Google Password Manager or a Samsung account in Samsung Password Manager and linked to your mobile device. Once this is done, follow these steps:
Step 1: Tap the three dots menu on the top and then go to Settings.
Step 2: Tap the Account option and then go to Passkeys.
Step 3: Tap Create passkey and then tap Continue.
Step 4: Tap Continue again and then follow the on-screen instructions.
How to create a passkey on iPhone
To set up a passkey, you will need an iPhone 8 or later model with iOS 16 version or higher. Once this is ensured, follow these steps:
Step 1: Tap WhatsApp Settings or your profile tab.
Step 2: Tap the Account option and then tap the Passkeys option.
Step 3: Tap Continue and then tap Continue again. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Two-Factor Authentications gets stronger
WhatsApp has also introduced stronger two-factor authentication or 2FA on its platform. For the unversed, WhatsApp first introduced 2FA on its platform back in February 2017. However, for the longest time, this included setting up a six-digit PIN.
With today’s update, WhatsApp has upgraded this to longer, alphanumeric, password with special characters. This move is aimed at making it difficult for scammers to guess the PIN of the targeted account and ultimately make it safer for users.
More context before picking up a call
Lastly, WhatsApp is giving users more context before picking up a call from a contact that’s not saved on device. This will give users more information to decide if they want to pick up the call or not. The company says that on Android, they will now see more information about a non-contact caller, like whether the number is from a different country and if the user has any groups in common.
