WhatsApp is rolling out support for keys on Android, allowing users to securely log back into their accounts using biometric authentication or a device PIN. Previously, WhatsApp required users to log in to their account using a one-time password (OTP) and an optional six-digit PIN for two-step authentication. With the addition of key support, Android users can now use their phone’s built-in facial or fingerprint recognition to log back into their accounts using a key stored on the device.
A week after Google revealed plans to eliminate the use of passwords across its services while introducing support for keys on Android and the web, WhatsApp announced support for keys on Android via X (formerly Twitter). It is worth noting that the existing fingerprint lock option will still be available, and users will still have the option to log in by entering their phone number and OTP.
What is a master key?
Keys are a secure alternative to using passwords to log you into apps and services. You can use your fingerprint or PIN on your smartphone to verify that you (the account owner) are trying to log in without entering a password and secure OTP.
It is a Fast Identification Online (FIDO) “secret” that is stored on devices such as smartphones and is used to log in to websites in place of passwords. Master Key relies on two technologies that work simultaneously – public key encryption and biometric authentication on your smartphone.
Thanks to the use of public key encryption, even if WhatsApp’s servers are hacked, your passwords never leave your device and remain protected—no passwords can be stolen. Because of these security advantages. Other companies, including Adobe, Amazon, GitHub, Google, PayPal and Uber, are working on or already allow password-based logins.
Latest beta app for Android phones supports WhatsApp keys
Alice Newton-Rex, head of product at WhatsApp, previously said: “Key verification will make it easier and more secure to log back into WhatsApp. We are excited to launch this feature on WhatsApp and provide users with an extra layer of security.”
How to create a key on WhatsApp for Android
To enable keys on WhatsApp for Android, you can open WhatsApp, navigate to the settings menu, and tap account > master key > Create key.You can then read the pop-up message telling you what the master key does and click continue. Another pop-up window from Google Password Manager will ask you if you want to create a password for WhatsApp – click on continue and Use screen lock Enables logging in using the phone screen lock method. Now you can see the key generated through WhatsApp.
Gadgets 360 confirmed that the WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.23.21.12 has enabled support for passwords and supports seamless login using biometric authentication. Users running the latest version of WhatsApp from the stable channel may have to wait for some time before the feature is enabled on their smartphones.
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