WhatsApp is implementing a new passkey security layer

If you are a WhatsApp user, there are different ways to protect your account – such as using a traditional password and two-factor authentication. And soon, users will have another option to secure their account, as WhatsApp is working on implementing passkey support.

WhatsApp for passkey support

There are many apps and websites that have already announced passkey support, and WhatsApp might be next. While Meta hasn’t announced anything yet, WABetaInfo Find hidden passkeys setup menu in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android. “You can now use your fingerprint, face, or screen lock to check if it’s you with a passkey,” a message reads.

Unfortunately, the feature is still under development and there is no way to enable it, but this is a strong hint that WhatsApp users may soon have the option to protect their accounts with a passkey instead of a traditional password.

For those unfamiliar, Passkey is an industry-wide effort to create a more secure authentication system. Instead of traditional passwords, users can now log in using facial recognition or biometrics without having to create and type a regular passcode. This technology was developed by the FIDO Alliance in partnership with Apple, Google and Microsoft.

In June, Apple announced that it would automatically assign a passkey to Apple ID accounts for users on iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and macOS Sonoma. This means that users will be able to authenticate on Apple.com, iCloud.com, or other Apple-related websites using their passkey as credentials instead of having to enter a password.

Since iOS 16, users can create and store passkeys using Safari and iCloud Keychain. Now, with iOS 17, this same experience will be available to third-party apps. Recently, TikTok and popular password manager 1Password also announced support for passkeys.

As for the WhatsApp update, there is no word on when it will be available to users.