WhatsApp Passkey Backups Roll Out Globally, Replacing 64-Digit Key with Biometrics

WhatsApp is launching a major security upgrade this week. The feature allows users to lock their chat backups with a passkey. This replaces the old 64-digit encryption key. The rollout is happening globally over the coming weeks.

This change makes securing cloud backups far more user-friendly. Instead of managing a complex code, users can employ their device’s biometrics. This means Touch ID or Face ID becomes the gatekeeper for your saved messages.

How the New Passkey Backup System Enhances Security and Simplicity

The new system builds on the end-to-end encrypted backup feature introduced in 2021. That original system provided strong security. However, its 64-digit key was difficult for many users to store and manage safely.

With passkeys, the private cryptographic key never leaves your device. Authentication happens locally using your fingerprint or face scan. This process is both more secure against remote attacks and significantly easier to use during a phone restore.

According to Reuters, this move is part of a wider industry shift toward passkey adoption. It simplifies security for billions of users. The goal is to make robust protection the path of least resistance.

The Practical Impact for WhatsApp’s Billions of Users

For the average user, this update means one less password to remember. The technical barrier to having fully encrypted backups is now virtually gone. Security experts have long advocated for such user-friendly improvements.

Enabling the feature is straightforward once it appears in your app. Navigate to Settings, then Chats, then Chat Backup. Select the End-to-end encrypted backup option to set it up. Your backups will still be stored on iCloud or Google Drive, but now they are sealed with a passkey.

This upgrade continues Meta’s push for passkey integration. WhatsApp first added passkey support for account authentication in 2023. The company is clearly betting on a passwordless future for all its services.

The global rollout of WhatsApp passkey backups marks a significant step toward mainstream, hassle-free encryption for personal data.

Info at your fingertips

What exactly is a WhatsApp passkey backup?

It is a new way to secure your chat backups in the cloud. You use your device’s biometrics, like a fingerprint or face scan, instead of a long, hard-to-remember 64-digit code. This keeps your backup locked and accessible only by you.

How do I turn on passkey backups for my chats?

Go to Settings in WhatsApp, then tap Chats, and then Chat Backup. Select End-to-end encrypted backup and follow the prompts. The feature will appear in your app over the next few weeks as the rollout continues.

Does this change where my backups are stored?

No, your backups are still stored in the same place. For iPhone users, that is iCloud. For Android users, it is Google Drive. The passkey only changes how you encrypt and unlock that stored data, not its location.

Is this more secure than the old method?

Yes, it is considered more secure for most people. The passkey relies on your device’s secure hardware, and the private key never leaves your phone. This removes the risk of losing or having your 64-digit key stolen.

What happens if I lose my phone?

You can still recover your backup on a new device. The recovery process will prompt you for the passkey, which is tied to your biometrics. You will need to authenticate using your new device’s security setup linked to your account.