The term “passkey security” is gaining popular in the IT industry, and WhatsApp has joined the trend by integrating this cutting-edge technology into its Android app. Passkeys, which provide a quicker and more secure means to access personal accounts while lowering the danger of unauthorised access, have already been embraced by companies like Apple and Google. This is accomplished by employing a special PIN or device-specific biometric information, thereby doing away with the need for conventional passwords.
WhatsApp just revealed that customers would soon be able to unlock their accounts using their face, fingerprint, or a PIN in a statement on X (formerly known as Twitter). Users of Android are presently beginning to get the functionality, and we know exactly how to set it up. Keep a look out for the update if you haven’t already gotten it; it should be coming shortly.
Quick Setup Steps for Passkeys on WhatsApp
- Launch WhatsApp
- Go to your Account settings
- Select Passkeys
- Create your preferred passkey
Let’s now examine in more depth, step by step, how to generate a passkey on WhatsApp.
Step-by-Step Guide: Creating a Passkey on WhatsApp
- On your Android smartphone, open WhatsApp. To enter the settings menu, tap the profile symbol in the upper right corner of the screen. Select “Account” and then “Passkeys” from the menu that appears.
- After choosing “Passkeys,” click the “Create a passkey” button. A message informing you that WhatsApp will use your information will display.
- The screen lock on your phone may be linked to WhatsApp, enabling it to utilise the PIN or password you’ve already set to use it. We will make this functionality available for this guide.
- You will then be given the option to create your passkey using either your fingerprint or a PIN. WhatsApp will use the current security code on your smartphone if you choose the PIN. You will have to make one if your device doesn’t already have one.
- Your phone will walk you through the process of linking your biometric security to the app if you decide to use your fingerprint. In the event that your phone already has a fingerprint setup, this procedure is simple and fast.
- You have the option to cancel your passkey once you’ve set it up and generate a new one. Making a new passkey follows the same procedure as previously.
It's important to note that WhatsApp doesn't need passkeys. As alternate security measures, chat locks and conventional passwords are still accessible.
WhatsApp has indicated that face recognition is an option in addition to fingerprint recognition if you’re curious about interoperability with other biometric techniques. You may also utilise a swipe pattern, and Google Password Manager will securely save your information, according to a report by Android Police.
There is currently no information available on the availability of this passkey capability for WhatsApp on iOS or PC. We contacted Meta for further information, and if we learn anything new, we’ll update this report.
Conclusion
The addition of passkey capability to WhatsApp represents a huge advancement in consumer convenience and security. Users should anticipate more convenient and safe ways to access their accounts as technology advances, thereby diminishing the need for traditional passwords.
