WhatsApp has initiated the rollout of an innovative feature that allows users to log into their accounts using the biometric authentication systems integrated into their smartphones. This new functionality enables users to create a passkey, which serves as a login credential that removes the necessity of remembering or entering a traditional password. Users will be able to securely access apps and services by utilizing facial recognition or fingerprint scanning available on their devices.
The feature was first identified by feature tracker WABetaInfo, which reported its appearance in WhatsApp beta version 2.23.20.4 for Android on Tuesday. However, the availability of this feature is not universal across all users with the latest beta update; it is currently accessible to a limited number of beta testers. Gadgets 360 attempted to access the new functionality on two different Android devices participating in the beta program but was unable to do so.
The newly introduced passkey feature is highlighted in a screenshot shared by WABetaInfo, which describes it as a “simple way to sign in safely” to WhatsApp. This suggests that the feature could facilitate secure sign-ins on different devices using authentication from the user’s primary device.
The concept of using passkeys for authentication is not entirely new, and this technology is gradually becoming more widely adopted. For instance, Google already offers users the ability to log into new devices through fingerprint-based biometric authentication, allowing passkeys to replace traditional passwords. These passkeys are securely stored on the device and activated upon successful biometric verification.
According to the screenshot provided by WABetaInfo, WhatsApp will store the passkey within the device’s password manager, which typically means that most users will utilize the default password storage service managed by Google with autofill features. The passkey functionality is also anticipated to extend to iOS devices, where it is likely to be integrated with the iOS Keychain.
At this time, it remains uncertain if WhatsApp will include the option to store passkeys in third-party applications such as Bitwarden, 1Password, or Dashlane. Further details on this feature are expected to emerge as it becomes available to a larger group of users in the beta program, with plans for it to be accessible on all smartphones through the stable channel in the near future.
