WhatsApp is introducing passkey functionality to provide another way to access your encrypted backups. With this update, if you misplace your device, you’ll be able to retrieve your WhatsApp backup using options such as fingerprint, facial recognition, or the previous device’s screen lock code.
Previously, WhatsApp lacked encryption for chat backups. That changed in 2021 when Meta enabled end-to-end encryption for backups, allowing users to secure them with either a password or a unique 64-character encryption key.
The challenge with these methods is that you must either recall your backup password or have your encryption key available when restoring. Passkeys eliminate the need to remember or locate your password or key.
WhatsApp, which surpassed 3 billion active users in May, announced that this update will gradually reach users over the next several weeks and months, so you’ll need to watch for when it becomes accessible to you.
To activate encrypted backups and see if passkey support is available, navigate to Settings > Chats > Chat backup > End-to-end encrypted backup.
