WhatsApp has introduced a new passkey feature that allows users to securely access their encrypted chat backups using fingerprint, Face ID, or screen lock. The latest update aims to make restoring chats easier and safer while enhancing privacy for WhatsApp’s billions of users worldwide.
According to WhatsApp, the passkey authentication system means users no longer need to rely on passwords or lengthy 64-character encryption keys to restore their backups. Instead, they can now use their device’s built-in authentication methods such as fingerprint, facial recognition, or lock screen PIN.
Previously, encrypted backups depended on manually set passwords or encryption keys—a feature first introduced in 2021 when Meta rolled out end-to-end encryption for chat backups. While that system provided strong protection, users risked losing their chats if they forgot their password or misplaced their encryption key.
With the new passkey integration, WhatsApp simplifies this process, tying access directly to the user’s device for a smoother and more secure experience.
WhatsApp, which surpassed 3 billion active users in May 2025, has confirmed that the passkey feature will roll out gradually over the next few weeks and months.
“This feature will be rolled out to users in the coming weeks and months, so you might have to keep an eye on when it becomes available to you,” the company stated.
To check if the feature is available, users can navigate to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > End-to-End Encrypted Backup and look for the ‘Use Passkeys’ option.
Reports confirm that the feature is already available in Nigeria, with several users successfully enabling and testing it through their WhatsApp settings.
This update is part of Meta’s broader initiative to enhance security and privacy across its platforms. Earlier in August, WhatsApp introduced new safety tools to protect users from scams in both individual and group chats.
The company revealed that it banned over 6.8 million accounts linked to international scam centres and added new safety alerts that notify users when they’re added to unfamiliar groups or contacted by unknown numbers.
In collaboration with OpenAI, WhatsApp has also intensified its fight against AI-generated scam messages, successfully disrupting several fraudulent operations traced to Cambodia and other regions.
The introduction of passkey support for encrypted backups marks another major milestone in WhatsApp’s mission to improve user security and convenience. By replacing complex passwords with biometric or device-based authentication, WhatsApp continues to lead the way in secure communication and data protection for its global audience.
