WhatsApp rolls out passkey encryption for chat backups
In a significant privacy upgrade, WhatsApp announced on Thursday, October 30, 2025, that it will introduce a new passkey-based method to access encrypted chat backups. The feature, designed to bolster end-to-end security, lets users protect their cloud-stored chat histories with a biometric or device-based passkey rather than relying solely on their account password. The rollout signals WhatsApp’s ongoing push to give users more control over who can access their data outside regular messaging threads.
What is passkey encryption and how does it work?
Passkey encryption leverages the device’s biometric or passcode capabilities to secure chat backups. When enabled, access to backups—whether on iCloud or Google Drive—requires approval via a fingerprint, facial recognition, or a device-specific passkey. This approach adds a layer beyond standard encryption, ensuring that even if someone gains access to a backup file, they cannot decrypt it without the user’s passkey or biometric verification. For users who have long trusted the device-level protections, passkey encryption aligns with broader industry moves toward phishing-resistant and passwordless security.
How to enable and use the feature
Users will typically find the option in WhatsApp’s Chats or Backup settings, labeled as a passkey or biometric-backed backup protection. Once activated, the user’s backups are tied to the device’s biometric system (fingerprint or face) or to a chosen screen lock. The exact flow may vary by platform (iOS or Android) and device model, but the core concept remains the same: backups become accessible only after a successful biometric or passkey verification. Users should ensure their device has a reliable biometric sensor or robust screen lock to maximize security benefits.
Impact on privacy, security, and user choices
The introduction of passkey encryption is a notable step in privacy-centric product design. It adds resilience against unauthorized attempts to restore and read chat histories from cloud backups, a scenario that can occur if an attacker gains access to cloud accounts. For individuals who frequently switch devices or reinstall apps, passkey protections offer continued secrecy for conversations without depending on repeated password recalls. However, users should be aware that if they lose access to their device’s biometric data or passkey, recovery options may become more complex, and some providers may require additional verification steps to regain control of backups.
Compatibility and rollout details
WhatsApp has indicated a phased rollout to ensure compatibility with a wide range of devices and backup ecosystems. While newer devices with reliable biometric sensors may experience a smoother setup, older models might require a software update or alternative verification method. The company has also stated that this feature will not replace existing end-to-end encryption for messages and calls; it protects only the backup storage layer. It remains to be seen how this interacts with enterprise accounts and multi-device support, but the core goal is clear: give users stronger, device-bound control over their most sensitive data.
User considerations and tips
To make the most of passkey encryption for chat backups, users should:
- Keep their device software up to date to ensure the latest security patches.
- Use a reliable biometric sensor or a strong screen lock as their primary verification method.
- Review backup settings periodically to understand which backups are protected and how recovery works.
- Be mindful of device loss or replacement scenarios and prepare a plan for migrating passkey protections to new hardware if needed.
What this means for WhatsApp users ahead
Passkey encryption for chat backups reflects a broader industry trend toward stronger, more user-controlled security without sacrificing ease of use. By tying backup access to biometric verification or device-based passkeys, WhatsApp aims to reduce the risk of data exposure from cloud backups while maintaining a smooth user experience. For now, users can anticipate a gradual rollout, with more exact timelines and platform-specific steps shared in WhatsApp’s official support channels.
