Highlights

• New dial pad feature allows direct calls without saving contacts.
• WhatsApp calls utilize internet data, potentially saving on mobile minutes.
• Passkeys feature rolling out on iOS for secure, quick logins.
• Both updates aim to enhance user experience and security on WhatsApp.

WhatsApp could soon let you make calls without saving numbers first.

A report says WhatsApp is working on adding a new dial pad feature to the app.

This would allow you to enter any phone number and call it directly through WhatsApp, rather than having to save the contact first.

To turn on passkeys for WhatsApp on iOS, go to the Account section of the app’s Settings, and then tap Passkeys. “Passkey verification will make logging back into WhatsApp easier and more secure. We’re excited to launch this on WhatsApp and give users an added layer of security,” Alice Newton-Rex, WhatsApp’s head of product, said in a statement.

“A dialer feature might bring several advantages to the user experience, as it would enable users to make voice calls without switching to the default stock dialer app. Calls made through WhatsApp use Internet data instead of traditional cellular networks, making them more cost-effective, especially for international calls. This is a major advantage for users who have access to Wi-Fi or low-cost data plans,” adds the report.

WhatsApp Dialer Being Tested

The dial pad is being tested in the latest beta version of the Android app.

If it works well and gets released, it will make things much easier when you need to quickly call someone like a business or service whose number you don’t want to keep saved permanently.

Instead of leaving WhatsApp to use your regular phone dialer, you could just enter the number in WhatsApp itself and tap to call over the internet.

Using the WhatsApp dial pad for calls could also save you money, as WhatsApp calls just use your internet data rather than your mobile minutes.

So it’s ideal for calling numbers that would normally be expensive, especially international ones.

The dial pad is still being developed, so we’ll have to wait and see exactly how it works in the final version.

But it certainly sounds like a handy time-saver that WhatsApp fans will appreciate.

WhatsApp Also Bringing Passkeys to iOS for Easier Logins

passkeys are rolling out now on iOS 🔑 a more secure (and easier!) way to log back in with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode

here are some reasons you should set it up 👇

— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) April 24, 2024

In other WhatsApp news, a new login method called Passkeys is coming to the iOS app.

Passkeys let you log into your WhatsApp account using Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode instead of texted codes.

With Passkeys, there’s no need to wait for WhatsApp to text you a one-time code when you set up the app or log in again.

You can just authenticate with your face, fingerprint or passcode for quicker, smoother access.

Passkeys are more secure too, as they stay stored just on your device rather than being sent anywhere.

So Passkeys help keep your WhatsApp safe from hacking or hijacking.

The Passkeys update is starting to roll out now for WhatsApp users on iPhones and iPads.

How to Use WhatsApp Passkeys on iPhone?

Setting up Passkeys for WhatsApp on iPhone is straightforward.

Follow the steps below to start using FaceID to unlock WhatsApp and login to your account.

1. Open WhatsApp on your iPhone and go to Settings.

2. Click on the Account option.
3. On the next page, click on Passkeys.
4. Click on the Create Passkey button at the bottom.

5. ⁠Click on Continue when asked, ‘Use Face ID to sign in?’

6. ⁠Your Passkey will now be created to unlock and log in to the app.

FAQs

What is the new dial pad feature in WhatsApp?

WhatsApp is testing a dial pad feature that lets you enter a phone number and make calls directly through the app, eliminating the need to save the contact first.

How can the WhatsApp dial pad save me money on calls?

Since WhatsApp calls use your internet data instead of your phone plan’s minutes, using the dial pad for international or typically expensive calls can reduce your mobile bill.

What are Passkeys in WhatsApp?

Passkeys allow iOS users to log into their WhatsApp using biometric authentication like Face ID or Touch ID, or a passcode, making logins quicker and more secure than traditional texted codes.

When will the new dial pad and Passkeys features be available?

The dial pad is currently being beta tested and will be released based on its success, while the Passkeys update is already rolling out to iOS users.

How does the Passkeys feature enhance security on WhatsApp?

Passkeys are stored locally on your device rather than being transmitted, reducing the risk of interception and enhancing your account’s security.

What are Passkeys?

Passkeys provide a secure method for signing into apps and websites, offering ease of use and heightened security compared to passwords.

Users can access their WhatsApp account using familiar authentication methods such as fingerprint scans, face scans, or PINs, ensuring only authorized access and providing peace of mind against unauthorized entry.

Also Read: WhatsApp Replaces SMS Two-Factor with Passkey Authentication for Android Users

Also Read: WhatsApp Tests New Feature for Previewing Documents Before Opening

Also Read: WhatsApp Enhances User Experience with New Chat Filters