How to Use WhatsApp's New Passkey Feature for Your Backups

Ditch the 64-digit key. Your WhatsApp backup now uses a passkey.

Use WhatsApp passkey for biometric security on chat backups. Image: WhatsApp | Licensed by: Kinghacks365

Gone are the days when you needed to remember a complex password or a cumbersome 64-digit encryption key for securing your backups.

We all have years of our lives stored in WhatsApp. From cherished photos and heartfelt voice notes to important conversations, our secure WhatsApp chat history is a digital extension of our memories. That’s why protecting those backups has always been critical.

But let's be honest: the old method was a pain.

For years, securing your end-to-end encrypted backup meant creating a password or, worse, safely storing that complex 64-digit encryption key. If you lost that key, you lost your backup. As this method was a pain point for the messaging platform's community, WhatsApp has finally addressed this issue.

Today, WhatsApp is rolling out a massive security and convenience upgrade: passkey-encrypted backups. This new feature allows you to secure your entire chat history using the same simple, secure methods you use to unlock your phone.

This new feature helps you regain your memories on a new phone, or after logging into WhatsApp for any reason, with the end-to-end encrypted backup now accessible with just your face, fingerprint, or passcode set on your phone. As WhatsApp officially acknowledged during the announcement blog, “That’s why protecting them if you ever lose your phone or need to transfer to a new device is so important.”

What is a Passkey, and Why is it a Game-Changer for Your Backups?

Before we dive into the "how-to," let's quickly understand the "why."

A passkey isn't a password. It's a next-generation, passwordless authentication technology. Think of it as a unique digital key that is stored securely on your device (not on a server where it can be leaked).

Although this new security method, the passkey, is not entirely new (we've already seen it from other apps and it's expanding fast), it's incredibly effective. When you need to prove it's you, you simply use your device's built-in biometric authentication:

• Face ID (on iPhone)
• Fingerprint Scan (on Android and iPhone)
• Device PIN or Screen Lock Code

This new method replaces the old, cumbersome system. Instead of trying to remember a long, complex password or that 64-digit key you wrote down once, you just use your face or finger. It’s faster, easier, and significantly more secure.

WhatsApp already introduced passkeys for logging into your account in 2023. Expanding this technology to backups is the next logical step in creating a truly password-free future for the platform. WhatsApp also claims, “WhatsApp was the first private messaging app to offer end-to-end encryption for your chat backups.” This aligns with the traditional end-to-end encryption slogan from the messaging app.

How to Enable Passkey for Your WhatsApp Chat Backups

This new feature is on a gradual rollout over the coming weeks and months to all WhatsApp users on both iOS and Android. If you don't see the option yet, make sure your app is updated to the latest version and check back in a few days.

Once the feature is available for your account, here is how you can enable passkey for your WhatsApp backups.

For Android Users (Google Drive Backup)

1. Open WhatsApp and tap the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner.
2. Go to Settings > Chats > Chat backup.
3. Tap on End-to-end encrypted backup.
4. If you have an old password/key enabled, you may need to turn it off first.
5. Select the new option to "Use a passkey" (the wording may vary slightly).
6. Follow the on-screen prompts. Your phone will ask you to confirm your identity using your fingerprint, face scan, or device PIN.
7. Once confirmed, your passkey is now set as the authenticator for your backup.

For iOS Users (iCloud Backup)

1. Open WhatsApp and tap the Settings tab in the bottom-right corner.
2. Go to Chats > Chat Backup.
3. Tap on End-to-end Encrypted Backup.
4. Tap "Turn On".
5. WhatsApp will now present you with the new option to "Create a passkey".
6. Follow the prompts to use your Face ID, Touch ID, or device passcode to create and save the passkey to your Apple iCloud Keychain.

That's it. Your backup is now secured with the passkey linked to your device and Apple ID.

What If I Don't See the Passkey Option Yet?

Don't panic. As mentioned, this is a "gradual rollout," which means it can take time to reach all billion-plus users. Here's what to do:

• Update Your App: Go to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and ensure your WhatsApp application is fully updated.
• Be Patient: This is a server-side update, meaning it will appear when your account is eligible.
• Secure It Now: If you can't wait, you can still use the current end-to-end encryption method with a password. Simply follow the steps above and choose "Create Password" instead of "Use a passkey." You can always switch to a passkey later.

This update is a massive win for everyday users. It removes the biggest barrier to enabling end-to-end encryption for backups: complexity. Go check your settings and see if this powerful new passkey feature is available for you.