WhatsApp Introduces Passkey Protection for Encrypted Backups

WhatsApp is enhancing user security by introducing passkey protection for its end-to-end encrypted chat backups, offering a more straightforward and secure way to restore chats across devices.

The new update enables users to access their encrypted backups using biometric authentication methods, such as fingerprint, facial recognition, or their device’s screen lock code, thereby eliminating the need to remember or manually store complex passwords or 64-character encryption keys.

For years, WhatsApp chat backups lacked encryption, leaving conversations potentially vulnerable if stored on third-party cloud services. That changed in 2021, when Meta added an option for users to encrypt their backups with custom passwords or encryption keys. While that update improved security, it also introduced the challenge of remembering those credentials during backup recovery.

With the rollout of passkeys, WhatsApp now eliminates this friction by allowing users to verify their identity using their existing device credentials securely. This makes the process both safer and more user-friendly.

WhatsApp, which surpassed 3 billion active users in May, confirmed that the new feature will begin rolling out over the next several weeks and months. Users can check availability and enable encrypted backups by navigating to:
Settings → Chats → Chat backup → End-to-end encrypted backup.

This feature reflects Meta’s ongoing efforts to strike a balance between strong encryption and ease of use, particularly as global scrutiny of data privacy and digital identity protection intensifies.