WhatsApp said more than 1 billion people have now set up passkeys for their accounts, marking a major adoption milestone for the passwordless sign-in technology.
Passkeys allow users to verify their identity using a fingerprint, Face ID, or their device’s screen-lock code instead of relying on traditional passwords or one-time authentication codes.
WhatsApp introduced passkey support as another way to protect account access, and users can now add more than one passkey to the same account. That could be particularly useful for people who access WhatsApp across both Android and iOS devices.
The messaging service is also strengthening its existing two-step verification system. Instead of relying on a six-digit PIN, users will be able to create a longer password containing letters, numbers, and special characters. The added complexity is intended to make account takeover more difficult even if an attacker manages to obtain a user’s one-time verification code.
More Information for Unknown Callers
WhatsApp is also adding more context around calls from people who are not saved in a user’s contacts.
On Android, incoming calls from unknown numbers can now display information such as whether the number originates from another country and whether the caller shares any WhatsApp groups with the recipient.
The additional details could help users make a more informed decision before answering an unfamiliar call, particularly as scammers frequently use unexpected calls and urgency to pressure potential victims.
The changes expand WhatsApp’s broader account-security efforts while highlighting how widely passkeys have been adopted on the platform. Users who want to set one up can find the option under: Settings >> Account >> Passkeys.
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