WhatsApp is introducing a new way to secure your chat history with the rollout of passkey-encrypted backups. This adds an extra layer of protection for users who rely on the platform to store years of conversations, photos, and voice notes.
The new feature lets users encrypt their chat backups using biometric authentication methods such as fingerprints and facial recognition, or their device’s screen lock code. This means users no longer have to remember or manage a long password or a 64-digit encryption key to keep their backups safe.
According to WhatsApp, the update builds on its existing end-to-end encryption system, which already protects messages, calls, and backups from unauthorised access. Passkey encryption ensures that even when moving to a new device or restoring old data, users’ private content remains secure and accessible only to them.
The company began offering end-to-end encrypted backups in 2021 and added general passkey support for account access last year. With this new rollout, passkeys now extend to the backup process itself, providing a seamless and secure experience across all aspects of WhatsApp.
WhatsApp adds that the update will roll out gradually over the coming weeks and months. Once available, users can enable it by navigating to Settings > Chats > Chat backup > End-to-end encrypted backup in the app.
(Source: WhatsApp press release)
