WhatsApp Welcomes Wallet-Free Backup
Popular messaging app WhatsApp has introduced a new “Passkey” security feature for its end-to-end encrypted backups. This allows users to access their backups even if they lose their device, using the previous phone’s fingerprint, Face ID, or screen lock code.
Before 2021, WhatsApp backups did not include encryption. Later, Meta offered users the option to secure backups with a password or a 64-character encryption key. However, the challenge remained that users had to remember the password or key to restore their backup.
“With the new Passkey feature, there is no need to remember a password or key; the device’s built-in authentication method alone can open the backup,” the company explained.
WhatsApp, which now has over three billion active users, stated that this feature will gradually roll out to all users over the coming weeks and months.
Users can check whether encrypted backups are enabled and whether the Passkey option is available by navigating to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > End-to-End Encrypted Backup.
