Beirut: WhatsApp announced it will introduce a new feature for users to access their encrypted chat backups with passkey support. The passkey will allow users to encrypt their chat backups using their fingerprint, face, or screen lock code instead of them having to remember a password or a 64-digit encryption key.

According to Qatar News Agency, the platform had initially rolled out the option for users to encrypt their chat backups to the cloud in 2021.

A WhatsApp statement said, "Many of us carry years of precious memories in our WhatsApp chats - photos, heartfelt voice notes, and important conversations. That's why protecting them if you ever lose your phone or need to transfer to a new device is so important."

Users can enable the encrypted passkeys under the Settings tab. They will have to turn up the 'End-to-end encrypted backup' option in the 'Chats' option, which is under 'Chat backup'.