WhatsApp Develops Passkey Feature to Speed Up and Secure Device Linking on Android

WhatsApp is developing a new feature that will allow users to link additional devices to their main account using a "passkey" instead of the traditional QR code scan. This update aims to make the login process faster and more secure by adding a biometric security layer based on fingerprint or facial recognition. The passkey system will replace the need for SMS verification codes, reducing the risk of unauthorized remote access by hackers.

The current QR code scanning method will remain available, but the new passkey feature will provide a modern and safer authentication option. When a device linking request is made, WhatsApp will send a notification to the user's primary phone, requiring explicit approval to proceed. This ensures that only the physical device owner can authorize connections from browsers, computers, or tablets.

To use the new feature, users will need to set up a passkey in their account settings under the "Passkeys" menu. The feature is currently in early internal development stages and has not yet been released to Android beta testers. Meta is expected to accelerate the rollout in the coming months as part of its broader efforts to enhance user data security worldwide.