By Deborah Nnamdi
WhatsApp has unveiled a new feature that will allow users to access their encrypted chat backups using passkeys, enabling them to restore chats through fingerprint, Face ID, or their device’s screen lock code.
The Meta-owned messaging platform announced that the update will simplify backup recovery for users who lose their devices, eliminating the need to remember long passwords or store complex encryption keys.
Previously, WhatsApp’s end-to-end encrypted backups — introduced in 2021 — required users to create a password or manage a 64-character encryption key. While this strengthened data protection, it also posed challenges for users who forgot their passwords or lost their encryption keys, resulting in permanent data loss.
With the new passkey-based system, backup access is now directly tied to a user’s device authentication method, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, making recovery faster and more secure.
According to the company, the rollout will be gradual over the next few weeks and months.
“This feature will be rolled out to users in the coming weeks and months, so you might have to keep an eye on when it becomes available to you,” WhatsApp said.
Users can check if the feature is active by navigating to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > End-to-End Encrypted Backup and looking for the “Use Passkey” option.
Checks by Nairametrics revealed that the feature is already accessible to several users in Nigeria, who have successfully activated and tested the new passkey function through their app settings.
The update comes as Meta continues to strengthen privacy and security across its platforms. In August, WhatsApp introduced new safety tools to combat online scams in both private and group chats. The company said it banned over 6.8 million accounts linked to scam centres operating across various countries.
WhatsApp also disclosed its collaboration with OpenAI to curb fraudulent activities involving AI-generated scam messages — an effort that led to the disruption of several fraud networks traced to Cambodia.
Meta noted that these initiatives are part of its broader commitment to ensuring a safer, more secure messaging experience for its over 3 billion global users.
