WhatsApp has announced a major upgrade to its backup security with the launch of passkey encrypted backups, a feature designed to make protecting chat histories both simpler and stronger—without the hassle of remembering complex passwords.
With this update, users can now secure their end-to-end encrypted backups using biometric authentication methods such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or device screen locks. This ensures that chat histories, photos, and voice notes remain accessible and secure even after a device is lost or replaced.
The new feature addresses one of the app’s most persistent challenges for its three billion global users, safeguarding years of personal conversations stored in backups on Google Drive or iCloud.
Passkeys represent the next evolution in passwordless authentication, using device-specific biometrics to generate unique cryptographic keys that never leave the user’s hardware. Unlike WhatsApp’s previous encryption system introduced in 2021 which relied on a manually created password or a cumbersome 64-digit key, the new system seamlessly integrates with the phone’s built-in security features for effortless protection.
Privacy and Protection with a Single Tap
Once enabled, users can encrypt their chat backups with a simple tap or glance, extending the same end-to-end encryption that already protects live chats and calls. This means that neither WhatsApp, Meta, nor cloud storage providers can access the content of users’ backed-up messages.
Beyond convenience, the change eliminates the risk of being locked out due to forgotten passwords an issue that previously left some users unable to recover their chat data.
Security experts have praised the update, noting that passkeys are more resistant to phishing, credential theft, and brute-force attacks compared to traditional passwords. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, this marks a proactive step toward ensuring users’ data remains private and secure.
Strengthening Data Security in an Era of Growing Cyber Threats
Recent cybersecurity incidents, including spyware exploits targeting messaging apps, highlight the importance of protecting stored data. With the new passkey encryption, WhatsApp ensures that personal memories and sensitive exchanges remain confidential, even if a device is compromised or stolen.
This enhancement builds on WhatsApp’s pioneering 2021 introduction of end-to-end encrypted backups, which currently safeguard over 100 billion messages daily for two billion users.
By eliminating the need for complex encryption keys, passkeys make advanced security more accessible to everyday users, democratizing privacy without compromising protection.
The move also reflects a broader industry shift toward biometric and zero-knowledge authentication, positioning WhatsApp as a leader in mobile security innovation. Analysts suggest this could set a new standard for other messaging and cloud-based platforms managing personal data.
Global Rollout and How to Enable It
The passkey-encrypted backup feature will roll out gradually across iOS and Android devices in the coming weeks and months. To activate it, users can head to:
Settings → Chats → Chat Backup → End-to-End Encrypted Backup → Passkey Option.
WhatsApp encourages users to update their app to the latest version to ensure early access to the new feature. The company emphasizes that this upgrade brings backup security on par with chat security, keeping conversations both private and effortlessly accessible.
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