WhatsApp for iOS goes passwordless; here’s what passkey support means for you

If you, like us, have no more passwords left in you, this announcement by WhatsApp is sure to relieve you. In an attempt to move towards a passwordless future, Meta-owned WhatsApp took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce passkeys for its iOS users. With this feature enabled, you will soon be able to log into your WhatsApp iPhone app with only your biometrics, such as Face or Touch ID. Here’s everything you need to know about this change: 

WhatsApp passkey for iOS: What it is and how it works

The passkey feature was introduced to users of the app on Android smartphones last year; however, WhatsApp mentioned how this will soon also be available to users in the next few weeks. To activate it on your iPhone, all you have to do is navigate to Settings in your smartphone app. Tap on the Account option, within which you will find Passkey. 

ALSO READ: Forgot Your Apple ID password? Here’s what to do

Once you tap on this, you will be led to a page where you can set up your passkey. Further, you will find all your passkeys within the window and can either modify, manage or revoke the existing ones. 

What are passkeys and how do they help?

Passkeys use WebAuthn technology to generate two keys. One of these is stored on your device and the other by the service. This step essentially allows you as a user to log in without a complicated password. The system is also especially helpful at a time when you tend to misplace or damage your primary device. 

Passkeys also mark a shift from the conventional methods of logging in by replacing them with on-device options. For instance, you can use your phone’s Touch or Face ID to sign into services such as iCloud, Google Pay or, now, WhatsApp. Passkeys also link back to your phone number or email address in certain cases to ensure you still have access to them in case your device is lost. 

Several brands today are resorting to passkeys over passwords for a more secure, uncomplicated and passwordless approach. While it is still hard to say if this method will entirely replace passwords someday, it certainly helps manage multiple devices better.