WhatsApp now lets users secure backups using fingerprint or Face ID

WhatsApp has introduced a new way to protect chat backups with better privacy and greater convenience. As per the company’s official blog, the platform is rolling out passkey-encrypted backups, allowing users to protect saved chats using the phone’s built-in security. The update replaces the need for manual passwords or long encryption keys and brings broader changes that improve chat restoration and device migration.

WhatsApp Passkey Backup: Enhances privacy with phone’s biometrics

The new passkey system ties WhatsApp backups directly to the phone’s biometric or screen lock security. Users can now encrypt and restore their chat history using fingerprint, Face ID, or device PIN, ensuring that only the device owner has rightful access to the backup. Since the encryption key never leaves the device, neither WhatsApp nor cloud providers like Google Drive or iCloud can access the chat history data.

This marks a significant step towards password-less authentication, aligning WhatsApp with global tech leaders like Apple and Google. It eliminates the need to remember complex passwords or store long encryption strings while maintaining full end-to-end encryption.

How to enable passkey-encrypted backups on WhatsApp

Once the update reaches your device, you can enable the feature by following these simple steps:

1. Open WhatsApp on your phone.
2. Tap the three-dot menu (Android) or your profile icon (iPhone).
3. Navigate to Settings → Chats → Chat backup.
4. Select End-to-end encrypted backup.
5. Choose Passkey as the authentication method.
6. Confirm using your fingerprint, Face ID, or screen lock PIN.

ALSO READ: WhatsApp groups get new Mention all feature to tag everyone

After setup, restoring chats becomes effortless. Simply unlock your device, and your messages, media, and voice notes will automatically sync without entering any password.

Currently, the WhatsApp Passkey Backup feature is being rolled out gradually across markets, including India. The company is also testing new storage management tools that highlight which chats take up the most space, helping users manage data more efficiently. With these updates, WhatsApp continues to make strong encryption more accessible, keeping conversations private, secure, and easy to restore.

ALSO READ: WhatsApp to let users design their own Status pics using AI

Stay tuned to Unboxed by Croma for all the latest features of WhatsApp.