About end-to-end encrypted backup

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End-to-end encryption means that only you and the person you're talking to can read your messages, and no one in between. With end-to-end encrypted backup, you can add that same layer of protection to your Google Account and iCloud backups.

Protecting your backup

When you create an end-to-end encrypted WhatsApp chat backup for Android or iCloud, your messages and media are stored in the cloud. These backups are protected by either a passkey, a 64-digit encryption key, or a password.

Passkey

A passkey is a modern authentication method to confirm that it’s really you. Passkeys are securely saved in password managers such as Google Password Manager on Android. With a passkey, you can use your fingerprint, face, or screen lock to verify it’s you.
To use passkeys your device must be:
  • Android 9 or higher.
  • Google Mobile Services version 241217000 or higher.
  • Your device must have a screen lock set up such as PIN, password or pattern.

64-digit encryption key

A 64-digit encryption key is a long string of characters generated by WhatsApp.

Password

Using a password which you create yourself is another option available to protect your backup.
Note:
  • You cannot access your encrypted backup if you don’t have your password, encryption key, or passkey.
  • You cannot restore your backup if you lose access to your WhatsApp account and forget your password or encryption key. WhatsApp cannot send you a copy, reset it, or restore your backup for you.
  • If you’ve forgotten your password and still have access to your WhatsApp, you can change your password. Learn how here.

Turn on end-to-end encrypted backups

  1. Go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
  2. Tap End-to-end encrypted backup.
  3. Tap Turn on, then tap Create a passkey and follow the prompts.
    • Alternatively, tap More options to create a password or use a 64-digit encryption key.
Note: To switch from password or encryption key protection to passkey protection, you must first turn off end-to-end encryption, and then re-enable using a passkey.

Turn off end-to-end encrypted backups

  1. Go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
  2. Tap End-to-end encrypted backup.
  3. Tap Turn off, then follow the prompts.
  4. Tap Turn off again to confirm.