WhatsApp Introduces Passwordless Chat Backup Encryption
WhatsApp users can now protect chat history with biometrics instead of remembering passwords.
A new passkey-based encryption system lets users secure their chat backups using biometrics or screen locks rather than lengthy passwords or cumbersome encryption keys.
- Available on iOS and Android.
- Enhances backup privacy by relying on cryptographic key pairs.
- Private key stored locally on the user’s device, public key shared with the app.
The private key never leaves the device, preventing credentials from being exposed in data breaches.
Users can encrypt backups with a fingerprint, facial recognition or a simple device PIN, unifying backup security with the same protection used for personal chats.
The feature can be enabled via Settings -> Chats -> Chat Backup -> End-to-End Encrypted Backup.
Author summary: WhatsApp introduces passwordless chat backup encryption.