WhatsApp Just Made Encrypting Your Chats So Much Easier

Meta-owned WhatsApp is adding a new way for users to secure their chat backups with passkey encryption, removing the need to remember long passwords or 64-digit keys.

The new system lets users encrypt their backups using their fingerprint, Face ID, or device passcode. Once set up, backups stored on cloud services will remain protected by end-to-end encryption that only the user can unlock.

WhatsApp first introduced encrypted backups over four years ago. This new update makes the process simpler and more integrated with modern device authentication, explained WhatsApp on Thursday.

The feature will roll out gradually over the next few weeks. To enable it, users can open Settings → Chats → Chat Backup → End-to-End Encrypted Backup and follow the prompts to turn on passkey protection. As of writing, we’re not seeing the new option available in Canada just yet.

WhatsApp recently rolled out several new features aimed at making chats more fun and useful. Users could now share Live Photos on iOS and Motion Photos on Android, adding sound and movement to captured moments.

Meta AI tools were introduced to create custom chat themes and AI-generated video call backgrounds, giving users new ways to personalize their experience. Other updates also brought new sticker packs like Fearless Bird and Vacation, made group chats easier to find by searching for shared members, and added document scanning on Android, a feature that had previously been exclusive to iPhone.