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WhatsApp Adds Passkey Support for Restoring Encrypted Backups

Passkeys use device biometrics or a screen-lock code to recover chats without a backup password.

Overview

  • WhatsApp announced passkey-based access to end-to-end encrypted chat backups with a rollout over the coming weeks and months.
  • The feature allows restoration using fingerprint, face, or the previous device’s screen-lock code instead of a password or 64-character key.
  • Availability spans iOS and Android for users who have enabled end-to-end encrypted backups.
  • Users can check for the option via Settings > Chats > Chat backup > End-to-end encrypted backup.
  • The update extends Meta’s 2021 encrypted backups and aims to improve usability at WhatsApp’s roughly 3 billion-user scale.