WhatsApp is beta testing Passkey support

WhatsApp has been enhancing the feature set of the app for the last few months. In recent weeks, the most popular instant messaging app officially rolled out the Screen Sharing feature, competing with professional video calling apps like Zoom and Microsoft Teams. 

A Schedule Group Call feature is also in the beta testing phase, likely to roll out soon. Now, a new report indicates WhatsApp is working to implement Passkey support. 

WhatsApp’s new security layer may involve Passkey 

WhatsApp users have multiple ways of protecting their accounts, like using a traditional password and two-factor authentication, and soon, they will also have the option to use Passkey to secure their accounts. 

Several apps and websites have already announced Passkey support, and it looks like WhatsApp is going to be next. 

While Meta is yet to announce the news officially, WABetaInfo has found a hidden passkey setup menu in the latest version of WhatsApp for Android beta 2.23.16.15. The message states, 

“You can now use your fingerprint, face, or screen lock to verify if it’s you with a passkey.”

However, the feature is still in development, and there’s no option to enable it.

That said, this is a definite hint that WhatsApp users may soon get Passkey support, providing a new layer of security. Unfortunately, it’s unclear when the Passkey update will roll out for WhatsApp users.

What is a Passkey? 

To those who are unaware, Passkey is a highly secure authentication system. And industry-wide efforts are being made to implement this new age of security. 

With Passkey, users no longer have to use traditional passwords. Instead, they can use facial recognition or biometrics for authentication, eliminating the need to create passwords. 

FIDO Alliance developed the new Passkey security in partnership with Apple, Google, and Microsoft. Basically, all the big names in the tech industry are involved in it.

Apple announced in June that a passkey would automatically be assigned to all Apple ID accounts running on devices with iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and macOS Sonoma. 

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