Passkeys are becoming one of the prominent security options across websites and apps. Many tech giants, such as Google and Meta, are encouraging their users to enable passkeys to protect and safeguard their online accounts.
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Meta even introduced passkeys for Android WhatsApp users last year. Now, WhatsApp is reportedly expanding the availability of this feature and will soon allow iPhone users to set up a passkey for the app.
According to WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is working on a passkey feature for the iOS app for account verification, and it will be available in a future update. The report shared a screenshot from WhatsApp beta for iOS 24.2.10.73, which is available on the TestFlight app for testing the features. The screenshot shows that WhatsApp is in the process of developing a new section where users will be able to configure their own passkey in the future.
This passkey configuration will enhance the login process, eliminating the need for a 6-digit code to access the account. After configuring the passkey, users will be able to log into their accounts by using their existing authentication methods, such as Face ID, Touch ID, or the device passcode.
What is passkeys
Passkey is a feature that allows users to log in to their accounts without entering a 6-digit code every time. It uses a secure technology developed by the FIDO Alliance, with the collaboration of Apple, Google, and Microsoft. It enables users to authenticate themselves with biometric or facial recognition methods, instead of passwords. This makes the login process more convenient and intuitive, as users do not need to remember or type passwords.
Notably, users can decide whether to use the passkeys feature in WhatsApp or not, as it is optional. They can enable or disable it at any time from the app settings.
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Users can also use the traditional 6-digit code if they want to log in to WhatsApp on a different device where the passkey is not set up. This gives users the flexibility to choose their preferred security option and adjust it according to their situation.
While the feature is still in beta for iOS, Android users can set the passkeys in WhatsApp by following these steps:
Update WhatsApp to the latest build.
Open WhatsApp on your Android phone.
Tap your profile photo in the top-right corner.
Go to Settings > Passkeys.
Tap on Create Passkeys.
Follow the on-screen instructions.
Additionally, WhatsApp also offers email verification as another way to log in besides SMS verification since November, 2024. The app is developing a new feature that will allow users to use and share usernames instead of phone numbers. Moreover, an iPad version of WhatsApp is in the works.
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Meanwhile,as for passkeys, Apple devices have supported passkeys for Safari and iCloud Keychain since iOS 16, and this functionality will now be extended to other apps in iOS 17. Users can verify their passkeys using Face ID or Touch ID on Apple devices.
