WhatsApp adds passkey protection for end-to-end encrypted backups

WhatsApp is adding a new way to access your encrypted backups with passkey support. This means that if you lose your device, you can use methods like your fingerprint, face, or screen lock code of your previous device to access your WhatsApp backup.

For years, WhatsApp did not have an encryption layer for chat backups. However, in 2021, Meta added a way for users to protect their backups End-to-end encryption using 64-character passwords or encryption keys.

The problem with both is that you have to remember the backup password or have the encryption key handy while restoring the backup. With passkeys, you don’t need to search for the password or key.

Whatsapp that came through 3 billion active users in Maysaid that this feature will be rolled out to users in the coming weeks and months, so you may have to check it out when it becomes available to you.

You can go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > End-to-end encrypted backup To enable encrypted backups and check if you have the option to use passkeys.