WhatsApp, is adopting password security technology, following the trend started by major technology companies such as Apple and Google. Passkeys provide a faster, more secure way to log in to personal accounts, reducing reliance on traditional passwords. WhatsApp’s app allows users to unlock their accounts using their face, fingerprint, or a PIN code. Currently, this feature is available for Android users.
In its announcement on X, WhatsApp announced that passkeys in the application will allow users to unlock their accounts using their face, fingerprints or a PIN. The patch is currently rolling out to Android users. We managed to get our hands on the update and we’ll show you how to install it. If you can’t see it on your phone, be sure to keep your eyes peeled when the patch arrives. Here’s how to set passwords on WhatsApp:
Quick Steps to Set Passwords on WhatsApp:
- Start WhatsApp.
- Go to your account settings.
- Select “Toggle Keys”.
- Create your preferred passkey.
Step by Step Guide to Set Passkey on WhatsApp:
- Open WhatsApp on your Android device and tap your profile icon in the top right corner to access the settings menu.
- Select “Account” and then “Pass Keys”.
- Tap the “Create a passkey” button. A notification will appear stating that WhatsApp will use your device’s information.
- You will have the option to connect your phone’s screen lock to WhatsApp and allow the app to use the PIN or password you have previously set on your device.
- You will then be asked to create your passkey using your PIN or fingerprint. If you select the PIN option, WhatsApp will use your device’s PIN if set. Otherwise, you’ll need to create your own.
- Choosing the fingerprint method will require you to link your biometric security to the app. If you already have a fingerprint set up on your phone, the process is simple.
- Once you have completed the installation, you can change your passkey if necessary by following a similar process.
It’s important to note that passwords are optional on WhatsApp, and traditional passwords and chat locks are still available. It is currently unclear whether this feature will be expanded to the iOS and desktop versions of WhatsApp. Updates regarding this will be provided later.