WhatsApp Introduces Passkey Support for Enhanced Security on iOS – Here’s How To Set It Up

WhatsApp is bolstering its security measures by introducing passkey support for its iOS app. On Wednesday, the Meta-owned instant messaging platform announced the rollout of this new feature for iPhone users.

The company had initially started working on this feature in January 2024, and after approximately three months of beta testing, it is now being made available to iOS users worldwide. This comes after the passkey feature had already been implemented in the WhatsApp for Android app.

Supported iOS Versions

While WhatsApp did not specify the supported iOS versions, a previous report (thanks to WABetaInfo) indicated that the passkey feature is compatible with iOS 17 and later. This means users with iPhone XR models or newer will be able to set up a passkey for their accounts.

How to Set Up WhatsApp Passkey on iOS

Setting up a passkey for WhatsApp on iOS is a straightforward process. Here's how you can do it:

1. Open the WhatsApp app.
2. Tap on the Settings tab located at the bottom right corner of the screen.
3. Navigate to 'Accounts'.
4. Select 'Passkeys', which is the fourth option from the top.
5. On the next screen, tap on the 'Create Passkey' button at the bottom.
6. You will be prompted to continue with Face ID or Touch ID. Tap on 'Continue'.

What is a Passkey and How Does it Improve Security?

A passkey is an alternative authentication method designed to offer better security compared to traditional methods like SMS codes. Developed by the FIDO Alliance and endorsed by tech giants including Apple, Google, and Microsoft, this technology employs public key cryptography. It creates two sets of keys: one stored on the platform's cloud and the other retained by the user.

For iOS users, the user key is likely stored on Apple's Keychain system, which can be activated using Face ID or Touch ID. Authentication is completed when both keys match, making the system more resistant to phishing and similar scams.