WhatsApp Security Features in 2026: How to Protect Your Account

Published: August 27, 2026

On August 25, 2026, Meta introduced three new security features designed to make WhatsApp accounts more secure. These features help protect users from account takeovers and suspicious calls.

The latest update includes passkeys, stronger two-step verification, and additional information about unknown callers. Adding these security features to WhatsApp can help keep your account and data safer from hackers.

Table of Contents

How to Add WhatsApp Security Features

If you haven’t updated the app yet, update it first so the new features become available. Then go to Settings > Account. On Android, tap the three dots in the top-right corner and select Settings. On iPhone, open the You tab or tap the gear icon at the bottom of the screen.

Inside Account, you can find:

Passkeys — Add a second passkey if you use both an Android phone and an iPhone.
Two-step verification — Switch from the old PIN to a full password.

If you’re using Android, the third feature, caller context, doesn’t require any setup. It will start appearing automatically after you update the app.

What Actually Changed

WhatsApp’s own Help Center page for passkeys provides details on how passkeys work. End-to-end encryption isn’t part of this update — it remains unchanged. These three security features work alongside it.

Strengthening your WhatsApp security is always in your best interest, but if your account gets flagged for a policy violation, it can also face restrictions or a ban. That’s why we have also covered the Unban WhatsApp Account 2026 topic, so if you ever face such an issue, you can learn how to appeal and get help with recovering your account.

1. Multiple Passkeys Per Account

WhatsApp introduced passkey support on Android in October 2023 and on iPhone in early 2024. It is a useful security feature that makes account access more secure. Instead of entering a code, you can unlock WhatsApp using your fingerprint, Face ID, or screen lock.

Previously, you could add only one passkey to your account. Now, if you use WhatsApp on both Android and iPhone, you can add a separate passkey for each device.

Two-Step Verification Moves From PIN to Password

A 6-digit PIN was introduced for two-step verification in 2017, and many users are still using it today. This PIN is required when you register WhatsApp on a new device or reinstall the app. With the new feature, WhatsApp now gives you the option to switch from the old PIN to a password.

The password must have at least 8 characters, including at least one letter and one number. Special characters are optional.

Android: Settings > Account > Two-step verification
iPhone: Settings (or You tab) > Account > Two-step verification

If you’re still using the old PIN and want to make your security stronger, you can switch to a strong password for better protection. You can also add a recovery email address so you can regain access if you ever forget your password.

3. Caller Context for Unknown Numbers — Android Only

This feature is currently available only for Android users. As of August 2026, it is still not available on iPhone, and Meta has not officially announced when it will be available on iOS.

On Android, when you receive a call from a number that is not saved in your contacts, WhatsApp can now show you whether the number is registered in a different country and whether you share any WhatsApp groups with the caller.

You don’t need to turn on or set up anything separately. The feature starts working automatically after you update the app.

If the Features Aren’t Showing Yet

These are new features, so they may not be available on every account yet. If you don’t see them, update WhatsApp and check again after some time. The features may appear after the update. If they still don’t show up, wait a few days. Meta has not given a fixed timeline for when these features will be available on all accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does adding a second passkey deactivate the first one?

No. Both passkeys stay active separately. You can remove either one from the Passkeys screen without affecting the other.

I still see the old PIN option instead of a password field. Is this a bug?

Not necessarily. Meta has not given an exact rollout schedule, so the new password option may not be available on every account yet.

Is the unknown caller feature coming to iPhone?

There is no confirmed date yet. The feature is currently available only on Android.

Do I need to pay for any of these features?

No. All three features are free and included in the standard WhatsApp app.

Bottom Line

WhatsApp’s latest security update gives you more control over your account security. Take a moment to review your security settings once and enable the options available on your account. These small changes can make a big difference in keeping your account safer.

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Rehman Gul

At FixerLab, I focus on making technology easier to understand. Through well-researched, easy-to-follow guides, I explain smartphone issues, app errors, software problems, and everyday digital challenges in a simple way, helping readers find clear and practical solutions with confidence.