WhatsApp is reportedly rolling out a new passkey protection feature that will make restoring end-to-end encrypted chat backups faster, safer, and more convenient. According to reports, the messaging giant is introducing biometric authentication options such as fingerprint, facial recognition, or a device screen lock PIN to access encrypted backups stored on supported cloud platforms.
Easier and More Secure Backup Recovery
Until now, WhatsApp users restoring their backups from Google Drive or iCloud had to rely on either a password or a 64-digit encryption key, a method that, while secure, was cumbersome and prone to loss. The new passkey-based system aims to simplify this process while maintaining the same level of encryption and privacy.
With passkeys, users can verify their identity using the biometric credentials already stored on their device, removing the need to remember long, complex passwords. This upgrade not only enhances security but also significantly streamlines the backup restoration process when changing or setting up a new device.
How WhatsApp’s Passkey System Works
Meta first introduced end-to-end encrypted backups on WhatsApp in 2021, ensuring that only users and not WhatsApp or the cloud storage providers could access their chat history. The new passkey integration builds on that foundation by incorporating Android’s built-in authentication APIs and password managers to automate identity verification.
When switching to a new device, users can easily restore encrypted backups as long as they are signed in with the same password manager. This allows seamless device migration without compromising data security or manually entering encryption keys.
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Gradual Rollout Over the Coming Weeks
According to reports, the passkey protection feature will be gradually rolled out to Android users in the coming weeks and months. WhatsApp is expected to expand the feature to iOS later, further strengthening its privacy-first ecosystem.
The update is part of WhatsApp’s ongoing effort to enhance user data protection with features such as disappearing messages, chat locks, and privacy checkups. With this addition, restoring encrypted backups is set to become easier, faster, and more secure than ever.
What Are Passkeys and Why They Matter
Passkeys are a modern, password-free authentication method designed to replace traditional logins. They use public key cryptography, where one part of the key pair is stored securely on your device and the other on the service’s server.
Because both keys are needed to authenticate, even if a server is compromised, hackers cannot access user accounts without the physical device. Passkeys support biometric and PIN-based authentication, making them resistant to phishing attacks and a safer alternative to passwords.
With major tech companies like Google, Apple, and now WhatsApp adopting passkeys, this new standard represents the future of secure digital authentication.