WhatsApp to introduce full passwords instead of PIN codes

The WhatsApp messenger is strengthening the security of user accounts. Instead of the familiar six-digit PIN code for two-step verification, users will soon be able to set a full password containing letters, numbers and special characters. The company expects this to make account hacking significantly more difficult, reports GSMArena.

More Robust Two-Factor Protection

Until now, two-step verification in WhatsApp relied on a short numeric code. The new option will allow users to create more complex combinations, as with standard online services. Such passwords will be harder to guess or intercept, particularly during brute-force attacks.

Additional Information for Unknown Calls

Another new feature concerns incoming calls from people not in the user's contacts. During such calls, users will be able to see useful information—for example, whether the number is registered in another country and whether they share any groups with the caller. For now, this feature will only be available on Android.

Access Keys Becoming More Convenient

WhatsApp continues to actively promote passkeys, which allow users to log in to their accounts using a fingerprint, facial recognition or device unlock code—without entering a password. According to the company, more than one billion people have already set up this form of protection.

It will now be possible to link multiple passkeys to a single account. This is particularly convenient for those who use devices across different platforms, such as Android and iOS.

In Brief

WhatsApp is strengthening account security: the six-digit PIN code for two-step verification will be replaced with a full password. For calls from unknown numbers on Android, additional information will be displayed. In addition, users can now link multiple passkeys to a single account, and more than a billion people are already using the passkey feature.