WhatsApp confirms major free upgrade with 3 new features all users must try

WhatsApp is boosting the security of its chat app with three new features users should try,

Billions of WhatsApp fans are getting a very useful free upgrade. The Meta- owned chat platform has just announced the release of its latest changes, which are aimed at boosting the safety and security of its users.

“On WhatsApp, your conversations belong only to you and the people you’re talking to,” the Meta-owned company said.

“It’s why we built end-to-end encryption by default, and it’s why we continue adding new ways to keep your account secure and in your hands.”

So, what’s new in this latest release and why should you try them?

First up there’s a big change to WhatsApp’s passkey feature, which uses your fingerprint, Face ID or screen lock code to help protect your account.

The new update allows users on both Apple and Android devices to add multiple passkeys to their accounts, rather than being restricted to just one. It will make things far more secure as chats can’t be read until verification has taken place.

To set this up, just head to Settings > Account > Passkeys.

WhatsApp is also beefing up its two-step verification system. The feature currently relies on a six-digit PIN, but users can now switch to a full password.

That means you can create a longer, alphanumeric password with special characters, making it significantly tougher for scammers to guess.

“Two-step verification is an extra protection layer that helps prevent someone from taking over your account, even if they get hold of your one-time passcode,” WhatsApp said.

“Until now it was a six-digit PIN, we’ve now upgraded it to a full password: longer, alphanumeric, and even with special ch@racters to make it harder to guess.”

Finally, Android users are getting more information when an unknown number calls them on WhatsApp.

The app will now provide extra context, including whether the number is from another country and whether it is already part of any groups you share.

That could prove useful when deciding whether to answer an unfamiliar call, particularly as scammers often rely on creating a sense of urgency.

“When you get a call from someone not saved in your contacts, a little context can help you decide whether to pick up,” WhatsApp said.

“Scammers rely on urgency – now you can take a beat with some more info before answering.”

All three upgrades are rolling out now, so it’s worth checking WhatsApp to see if the new security features have reached your account.