WhatsApp has begun rolling out a new passkey option that lets users protect their chat backups using their phone’s biometric or screen-lock security instead of a separate password or a 64-digit encryption key.
What changed
WhatsApp’s passkey-based encrypted backups tie backup protection to a device’s existing security — fingerprint, face recognition, or screen lock. The change removes the need for users to create and manage a separate backup password or to store a long numeric encryption key.
How it works
The feature builds on WhatsApp’s existing end-to-end encryption for messages and calls. Backups stored on Google Drive or iCloud can now be encrypted with a passkey that is unlocked by the device’s biometric or screen-lock mechanism. A simple tap or glance is sufficient to secure a backup and to restore it later, WhatsApp says.
How to enable it
WhatsApp is rolling the feature out gradually over the coming weeks and months. Users can activate passkey encryption by going to Settings > Chats > Chat backup > End-to-end encrypted backup in the app.
Business chats and data handling
WhatsApp continues to use the Signal protocol to encrypt messages before they leave a user’s device, including messages sent to businesses. Once a business receives a message, however, how that content is handled is governed by the business’s own privacy policies. Some businesses may allow staff or third-party vendors to access messages and could use chat data for marketing or advertising on Meta platforms.
Why it matters
By integrating backup encryption with device security, WhatsApp aims to reduce friction and make it easier for users to protect years of chats, photos, and voice notes without managing complex keys or passwords. The change is intended to keep backups private even if a device is lost or replaced.
