Overview
- The new option lets iOS and Android users secure backup restores with fingerprint, Face ID, or a device unlock instead of a dedicated backup password.
- Passkeys create device‑bound cryptographic key pairs, and the biometric data used to unlock them is not transmitted.
- Users can find the feature under Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > End‑to‑end encrypted backup when it becomes available.
- Traditional recovery remains supported with either a user‑set password or a 64‑character recovery key that should be stored safely.
- Backups continue to use Google Drive storage, which includes 3.5 GB of free space by default and stops saving new data when full.