Earlier this year, the Meta-owned instant messaging platform WhatsApp introduced a new security feature called Passkey. This feature adds additional protection to users’ WhatsApp accounts. Essentially, Passkey allows users to log into their account on a new device. Instead of relying on traditional SMS verification, Passkey lets users protect their accounts using their smartphone’s biometric options.
WhatsApp Passkey On iPhones
The latest version of WhatsApp for iOS features Passkey support for iPhone users. As the feature rolls out to everyone, users will be able to log into their accounts using their iPhone’s passcode, Touch ID, or Face ID (depending on the model they have). Since the feature runs on iOS 17 or later, users with iPhone XR and newer models can set it up.
How Does WhatsApp Passkey Work On An iPhone?
Given that Passkey is a login authentication method backed by big tech companies like Microsoft, Google, and Apple, users shouldn’t worry about its reliability. As users set up a passkey, the system creates two copies: one for WhatsApp, and the other is stored locally on the device (most likely on Apple Keychain). Once the feature it set up, it will compare both the stored key and the one user inputs. When the two keys match, users can log into their accounts.
Advantages Of Using WhatsApp Passkey
Logging in via Passkey has a few advantages over traditional methods. For instance, when a user is traveling and doesn’t have a cellular connection, Passkey could help log into an account without receiving an SMS code. Further, it also saves time as users can enter their passcode or Face ID in no time. “It’s a more secure way to log in, and it lets us know it’s really you,” writes WhatsApp in an X post.
How To Set Up WhatsApp Passkey On iPhones
While we tried to test the Passkey feature on an iPhone 13 running iOS 17.4, the feature wasn’t available on the latest WhatsApp version listed on the App Store. While this could be true for more users, the feature should roll out to everyone in a few days.
- Open WhatsApp and head to the Settings section.
- Select Accounts from the available options.
- If the feature is available for your WhatsApp account, it should show up as the fourth option from the top.
- On the next screen, go through the feature’s description at the top and hit the “Create Passkey” button at the bottom.
- Depending on your iPhone model, continue registering the Touch ID or Face ID.
- Once the process is complete, hit “Continue at the bottom,” which will complete the Passkey setup process.
- There’s an option to save the Passkey on another device, but it’s optional.
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