WhatsApp Introduces Passwordless Login Feature (Image: Pixabay)

WhatsApp, owned by Meta, has implemented a passwordless login option for Android users. The new feature permits WhatsApp users to log in with a face scan, fingerprint, or pin to unlock their accounts. The support for passkeys is considered a major step by WhatsApp in improving the security and user experience of its Android application.

Earlier, WhatsApp users were asked to log in to their account using a one-time password (OTP) and an optional six-digit PIN for two-factor authentication. By introducing the new login option, Android users do not have to rely on the old process. WhatsApp made this announcement through X (formerly Twitter). “Android users can easily and securely log back in with passkeys 🔑 only your face, finger print, or pin unlocks your WhatsApp account,” WhatsApp wrote in its X handle on Monday, October 16. At the same time, WhatsApp has not provided any official statement on when this feature will be rolled out to iOS users.

Android users can easily and securely log back in with passkeys 🔑 only your face, finger print, or pin unlocks your WhatsApp account pic.twitter.com/In3OaWKqhy

— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) October 16, 2023

Recently, Google also made the announcement that passkeys will be the new default sign-in method for its users. Google said that users can see prompts to create and use passkeys while signing in to their accounts. Google stated in its blog post that passkeys are 40 percent faster than passwords. The tech giant launched this login option to reduce the risk of cyberattacks. Recently, Uber and eBay have also introduced passkeys. Experts say that passkeys are more convenient and safer to use, and they offer improved protection than traditional passwords. Last year, Google announced that it would encourage people around the globe to enter a “passwordless future.”