Passkey for chat backup: WhatsApp introduces passwordless backup

WhatsApp has been offering the option of logging in with the passwordless Passkeys since around October 2023. The meta subsidiary is now extending this to the backup function for chats. Initially, users of beta version 2.25.24.15 and newer for Android can test this function.

Never forget your password again

WhatsApp 's backup function has long offered the option of securing chats with a user-defined password or a 64-digit encryption key. With this method, however, users had to remember the password or keep it in a safe place. As WABeta-Info writes, users would have lost permanent access to their encrypted backups after forgetting the password.

With the new passkey option, the risk of losing login data is significantly reduced as users no longer have to create and remember complex passwords. This is because with Passkeys, authentication is carried out automatically using the keys stored on the device or the linked password manager. This also makes it easier to change devices: On a new smartphone, the linked password manager can automatically provide the passkey.

Separate passkeys

To confirm their identity, users can simply use integrated verification methods such as fingerprint or facial recognition or the device's app lock system. This makes the process of restoring backups both faster and more secure, while reducing the risk of lockout due to forgotten credentials.

WhatsApp also uses different passkeys for the encrypted backups and for accessing the app. This means that WhatsApp can generate multiple passkeys for different functions so that each level of security remains independent.

To check whether the function is already integrated, users can tap End-to-end encryption backup in the WhatsApp settings under Chat and Chat backup. Here they should be offered the option to back up via passkeys. If not, it should still take a while.

(afl)