WhatsApp rolls out major free upgrade for all users with THREE new features – check if it’s been added to your account

WHATSAPP has introduced three new features for free billions of its users around the world. The Meta-owned company is confident these features will make it more difficult for scammers to gain access to all of your chats. Users will be getting three new security upgrades Credit: Alamy Speaking about the free upgrade, the company said: “On WhatsApp, your conversations belong only to you and the people you’re talking to. “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.” Sign up for the Tech newsletter Thank you! The first of the three updates applies to both Apple and Android users, allowing them to add multiple passkeys to their accounts. This adds another layer of security as they previously were restricted to using just one. All three upgrades are rolling out now so it might be worth if the app needs updating. To set this up, just head to Settings > Account > Passkeys. The second will also see users benefit from a beefed up two-step verification system. WhatsApp said: “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. “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.” Most read in Tech The final upgrade is just for Android users as it gives them better more information when an unknown number calls them on WhatsApp. The app will now give users more context, including whether the number is from a different country and whether it is part of any groups that you share. The company added: “When you get a call from someone not saved in your contacts, a little context can help you decide whether to pick up. “Scammers rely on urgency – now you can take a beat with some more info before answering.” To check for the update on Android, go to the Google Play Store and tap your profile icon, then tap Manage apps and device and look under Updates available or tap the Manage tab to find WhatsApp Messenger. For those on Apple devices, open the Apple App Store and tap the search tab at the bottom right. Type WhatsApp into the search bar and check the blue button next to the app: if it says Update, a new version is available. Comment now