WhatsApp is elevating your privacy—now, you can encrypt your chat backups with a passkey that uses biometric authentication, replacing the need for complex passwords or manual encryption keys. This update is currently rolling out via the Android beta program, with broader availability expected soon.
What’s New: Passkey for Encrypted Backups
Traditionally, WhatsApp offered end-to-end encrypted backups that users could secure with a password or a 64-digit encryption key—both secure, but often cumbersome to manage. With the new update, biometric passkeys (like fingerprints, facial recognition, or device PINs) now power the encryption and access process, making it both secure and user-friendly.
In the latest Android beta (version 2.25.24.15), some users are seeing this feature appear as an optional backup protection layer. It’s activated via secure storage mechanisms in password managers and integrates with Android’s built-in biometric systems.
Why It Matters
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Simplified Security | Eliminates the need to remember lengthy passwords or encryption keys. |
| Stronger Protection | Relies on secure biometric authentication tied to your device. |
| Convenient Recovery | As long as your password manager is synced, passkeys persist across devices. |
Previously, if users forgot their backup password or lost the 64-digit key, there was no way for WhatsApp to help them recover access. Passkeys significantly reduce this risk by integrating recovery with biometric systems.
Feature Status & Outlook
- Testing Phase: Currently available to select users in the Android beta channel.
- Rollout: Aimed to reach wider audiences in the coming weeks.
Context: End-to-End Encrypted Backups Background
Launched in 2021, WhatsApp introduced optional end-to-end encryption for cloud backups, allowing users to secure their backups with either a chosen password or a 64-digit key. Neither WhatsApp nor cloud providers like Google or Apple could access these encrypted backups.
This system used a Hardware Security Module (HSM)-based “Backup Key Vault” to protect and manage encryption keys securely.
