Fingerprint, Face ID, or Screen Lock Can Replace Passwords for Chat Backups….
WhatsApp has announced that users will soon be able to access encrypted chat backups using passkeys, allowing them to restore chats via fingerprint, Face ID, or their device’s screen lock code.
Previously, WhatsApp’s encrypted backups relied on passwords or 64-character encryption keys, meaning users risked losing their data if they forgot their password or lost the key. The new passkey system simplifies access while maintaining high security standards.
“With passkeys, users no longer need to remember complex passwords or keep encryption keys safe; access can now be tied directly to the user’s device,” the company explained.
How It Works
Users can check if the feature is available on their account by navigating to:
Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > End-to-End Encrypted Backup
If the option to use passkeys appears, it can be activated immediately.
The rollout will be gradual, with WhatsApp confirming that the update will reach users globally over the coming weeks and months. However, several users in Nigeria have already been able to activate and test the feature.
A Broader Push for Safety
This update is part of Meta’s ongoing efforts to enhance privacy and security on WhatsApp. Earlier in August, the company introduced tools to protect users from scams in individual and group chats, including:
- Banning over 6.8 million scam accounts linked to international operations
- Alerts when users are added to unfamiliar groups
- Context warnings for messages from unknown contacts
WhatsApp is also collaborating with OpenAI to combat AI-generated scams, which recently disrupted several fraud operations traced to Cambodia.
“These measures are part of WhatsApp’s broader goal to make the platform safer while refining security tools and encryption features for its growing global user base,” the company said.
With over 3 billion active users worldwide, WhatsApp’s passkey feature represents a significant improvement in user convenience and data protection, reducing the risk of losing critical chat history due to forgotten passwords.
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