WhatsApp on iPhone goes passwordless: Login using Face ID, Touch ID ‘Passkeys’

WhatsApp is rolling out Passkeys for iPhone, a feature that lets you log in securely with Face ID or Touch ID.

Meta has been fast expanding WhatsApp's payments capabilities (Image: Zohaib Ahmed/The Indian Express)

WhatsApp is expanding ‘Passkeys’ feature for iPhone users, making it easier to log into a device without requiring an SMS-based one-time password (OTP). This feature was first introduced for Android smartphones and is now being rolled out to iOS users in phases.

passkeys are rolling out now on iOS 🔑 a more secure (and easier!) way to log back in with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode

here are some reasons you should set it up 👇

— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) April 24, 2024

Once the Passkeys option on WhatsApp is enabled, iPhone users can log into their WhatsApp account using TouchID, FaceID, or their passcode. According to WhatsApp, Passkeys offer a more secure way of logging into WhatsApp compared to the conventional OTP-based method. Moreover, users can also log into their WhatsApp account even if there is a network issue.

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Users can set up Passkeys for WhatsApp from Settings > Account > Passkeys, and once configured, they can use either FaceID or TouchID to access their WhatsApp account.

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It’s worth noting that WhatsApp has supported the ability to protect chats using biometric authentication for a while. Passkeys allow users to access their accounts without requiring external verification.

Besides WhatsApp, several other apps and social media platforms have been adopting Passkeys, promising a password-free future and reducing the risk of data theft. Google has also implemented Passkeys for Google accounts, mitigating privacy issues since data like Face ID or fingerprint details are stored locally on the user’s device.

Similarly, WhatsApp is adding face unlocking ability to the Google Pixel 8 and the Google Pixel 8 Pro smartphones. These devices previously supported fingerprint-based biometric authentication. Now, users can choose either of the options to protect and access their chats on WhatsApp.