-
My Account
WhatsApp Passkeys can make your account secure: What is it, how it works and steps to enable it
WhatsApp has rolled out passkey support for Android users, offering a password-free way to sign in. Instead of relying on SMS-based codes, users can now log in with passkeys linked to their Google Account. Meta describes this as a safer and faster way to verify identity without remembering or entering a password.
1/5
What are WhatsApp passkeys?
Passkeys are a digital authentication method built on cryptographic technology. Each account gets a unique key pair—one stored privately on the user’s device and the other shared with the service. This system, backed by the FIDO Alliance (which includes Google, Apple, and Microsoft), complies with W3C standards and eliminates the need for traditional username-password combinations.
Passkeys are a digital authentication method built on cryptographic technology. Each account gets a unique key pair—one stored privately on the user’s device and the other shared with the service. This system, backed by the FIDO Alliance (which includes Google, Apple, and Microsoft), complies with W3C standards and eliminates the need for traditional username-password combinations.
2/5
How passkeys work on WhatsApp
When a user creates a passkey for WhatsApp, it gets securely stored on the device or in a password manager. To log in, the app verifies the private key through device authentication methods such as face unlock, fingerprint scan, or PIN entry. This replaces the older SMS-based one-time password process, which could be slower and less reliable.
When a user creates a passkey for WhatsApp, it gets securely stored on the device or in a password manager. To log in, the app verifies the private key through device authentication methods such as face unlock, fingerprint scan, or PIN entry. This replaces the older SMS-based one-time password process, which could be slower and less reliable.
3/5
Security and convenience
Passkeys are tied to the device and can only be accessed through a secure method set by the user, like biometrics or screen lock. This reduces the chances of account compromise in case of phishing or data breaches. The system works alongside WhatsApp’s existing security features such as app lock and chat lock, adding an extra safeguard rather than replacing them.
Passkeys are tied to the device and can only be accessed through a secure method set by the user, like biometrics or screen lock. This reduces the chances of account compromise in case of phishing or data breaches. The system works alongside WhatsApp’s existing security features such as app lock and chat lock, adding an extra safeguard rather than replacing them.
4/5
Availability
The passkey option is currently being released to Android users. iOS support is expected in the future, although WhatsApp has not confirmed a timeline.
Why switch to passkeys?
• Eliminates SMS-based authentication delays
• Adds stronger protection for accounts and chats
• Simplifies sign-in with biometrics or PIN
• Lowers risk of unauthorized access during security breaches
The passkey option is currently being released to Android users. iOS support is expected in the future, although WhatsApp has not confirmed a timeline.
Why switch to passkeys?
• Eliminates SMS-based authentication delays
• Adds stronger protection for accounts and chats
• Simplifies sign-in with biometrics or PIN
• Lowers risk of unauthorized access during security breaches
5/5
How to set up passkeys in WhatsApp
1. Update WhatsApp to the latest version.
2. Go to Settings → Account → Passkeys.
3. Select Create a Passkey and confirm by pressing Continue.
4. Verify the displayed phone number and finalize the setup.
Once created, the passkey becomes the primary login method for your WhatsApp account on Android.
1. Update WhatsApp to the latest version.
2. Go to Settings → Account → Passkeys.
3. Select Create a Passkey and confirm by pressing Continue.
4. Verify the displayed phone number and finalize the setup.
Once created, the passkey becomes the primary login method for your WhatsApp account on Android.
Discover the latest Business News, Budget 2025 News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
