WhatsApp rolls out passkeys for encrypted backups on iOS and Android

WhatsApp is rolling out passkey support for encrypted chat backups on iOS and Android, allowing users to unlock cloud-stored backups with device biometrics or a screen lock code rather than entering a password or a 64-character encryption key. The feature began its gradual rollout this week and will reach users over the coming weeks and months, WhatsApp said.

The change affects backups that are already protected by end-to-end encryption. Since 2021, users have been able to encrypt backups with either a password or a long encryption key, but restoring required remembering or storing that credential. Passkeys replace that requirement by using cryptographic keys stored on the user’s device and unlocked with biometric methods such as fingerprint or Face ID, or with the device’s screen lock code. WhatsApp said the update “makes it easier than ever to set extra security for your chat backups by introducing passkey-encrypted backups.”

To enable the feature when it becomes available, users can open Settings, go to Chats, select Chat Backup, then End-to-End Encrypted Backup and follow the prompts to turn on passkey protection. Backups that are protected with passkeys remain end-to-end...