For most of us, WhatsApp isn’t just a messaging app — it’s almost like a digital diary. From family photos and voice notes to important conversations, our chat history often holds years of memories we don’t want to lose. That’s why the thought of losing a phone, and with it all those chats, can feel overwhelming.
How Backups Worked Until Now
To keep those memories safe, WhatsApp has long offered end-to-end encrypted backups. While secure, the process wasn’t always user-friendly. People had to set up a complicated password or store a 64-digit encryption key — not exactly the easiest thing to remember.
A Simpler Way with Passkeys
That’s changing. WhatsApp has just announced passkey-encrypted backups, a major update designed to make protecting your chats as simple as unlocking your phone. Instead of memorizing long codes, you’ll now be able to secure your backups using your phone’s fingerprint sensor, face unlock, or screen lock PIN.
In other words, the same quick step you take to access your phone will now keep your WhatsApp history private and secure.
Stronger Security, Same Privacy
This upgrade doesn’t compromise on safety. Your backups will still be protected by end-to-end encryption, the same technology that already safeguards your personal chats and calls. That means only you can access your memories — not even WhatsApp can peek inside.
When Will You Get It?
The feature is rolling out gradually in the coming weeks and months. Once available, you can turn it on by heading to:
Settings > Chats > Chat backup > End-to-end encrypted backup.
With this update, WhatsApp is making sure your most important moments remain both safe and easy to access — without the hassle of remembering yet another password.
