WhatsApp has begun rolling out a new security feature allowing users to protect their chat backups with passkey encryption. This update, available for both iOS and Android users, means people can now secure their stored conversations using biometric authentication like fingerprints or facial recognition, or their device's screen lock code. The change eliminates the need for complex passwords or lengthy 64-digit encryption keys that many found cumbersome.^{[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]} The global rollout started around late October 2025 and will continue gradually over the coming weeks and months.^{[1][10][4][11][12][13][8][14][15][16]} ### Enhanced Security, Easier Access The messaging platform, used by over 3 billion active users, first introduced end-to-end encrypted backups in 2021.^{[1][17][5][18][13][16][19]} However, this initial system required users to either create a password or save a difficult-to-remember 64-digit encryption key to restore their chat history.^{[1][10][17][5][12][7][8][14][15][19]} This often created a "friction point," leading many users to forgo encrypting their backups entirely, leaving their data vulnerable.^{[10][17][12][9][19]} Passkeys solve this problem by integrating with existing smartphone security features.^[1][10][17] Users can now secure their backups with "just a tap or a glance," applying the same security that protects their personal chats and calls directly to their stored data.^{[4][20][6][7][13][9]} This makes encrypted backups more accessible and ensures that "years of precious memories," including photos, voice notes, and important conversations, remain protected.^{[1][10][5][6][14][21]} ### How Passkeys Improve Privacy Passkeys replace traditional passwords with cryptographic keys, significantly boosting both security and user experience.^[22][23] When a user enables passkey encryption, their cloud backup, whether on Google Drive or iCloud, becomes directly linked to their device's biometric or screen lock credentials.^{[2][3][17][8][15]} This means the private key for encryption is stored securely on the user's device and never leaves it, preventing credentials from being exposed in data breaches.^{[3][17][23][24]} The system maintains full end-to-end encryption, ensuring that neither WhatsApp, its parent company Meta, nor cloud service providers like Google Drive or iCloud can access the content of users' encrypted chat histories.^{[1][2][3][17][8][14][15]} This approach makes it nearly impossible for unauthorized individuals to access backups remotely, even if they obtain login details.^[2] Cybersecurity experts recommend passkey support as it offers a more secure option and is resistant to phishing attacks.^[24][20] ### Enabling the New Feature Activating passkey encryption for chat backups is a straightforward process. Users need to navigate to their WhatsApp settings.^{[1][2][10][3][17][4][11][12][6][7][13][8][14][15][16]} From there, select "Chats," then "Chat backup," and finally "End-to-end encrypted backup."^{[1][2][10][3][17][4][11][12][6][7][13][8][14][15][16]} The option to enable passkey protection will then appear.^{[2][4][11][12]} The feature is rolling out gradually, so it may not be immediately visible to all users.^{[1][10][25][4][11][12][13][8][14][15][16][9][19]} To use passkeys on an iPhone, the device must run iOS 18 or later and have a screen lock enabled.^[14] For Android devices, the requirements include Android 9 or newer, Google Mobile Services version 241217000 or above, and an active screen lock.^[14] This update represents a significant step forward in making online privacy both robust and user-friendly for millions worldwide.^[10][17]