---
title: "What makes WhatsApp passkeys different from the current OTP-based verification system?"  
description: "WhatsApp is introducing a new passkey feature for Android users, replacing SMS-based OTP verification with a more secure login."  
author: "Saumya Mishra"  
published: 2023-09-21  
updated: 2023-09-21  
canonical: https://www.mindstick.com/news/3334/what-makes-whatsapp-passkeys-different-from-the-current-otp-based-verification-system  
category: "technology"  
tags: ["android", "otp", "whatsapp", "google"]  
reading_time: 1 minute  

---

# What makes WhatsApp passkeys different from the current OTP-based verification system?

[WhatsApp](https://www.mindstick.com/news/3329/whatsapp-is-finally-coming-on-ipad-here-s-all-you-need-to-know) is testing a new passkey feature for [Android](https://www.mindstick.com/news/3320/now-whatsapp-has-hd-video-sharing-feature) beta testers. The platform already uses SMS-based OTP [verification](https://www.mindstick.com/forum/34736/what-is-difference-between-validation-and-verification) for logging into accounts. However, in situations where [cellular](https://www.mindstick.com/news/3305/honor-90-smartphone-is-launching-in-india) or [internet connectivity](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/102425/what-role-does-a-network-router-play-in-internet-connectivity) is unavailable, passkeys can be used to log in on another device, providing a secure [alternative](https://www.mindstick.com/forum/2324/what-is-the-alternative-to-the-mvc) to SMS-based OTP.

WhatsApp has introduced the Passkeys feature for a select group of Android beta testers, with the stable version expected to be available to all users in a future update. Users who already access the feature in the [Account option](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/96031/why-don-t-i-have-kids-mode-in-the-account-option-in-microsoft-edge) of the Settings menu can now configure their passkey.

**How it is different from the previous method**\
The passkey [functionality](https://www.mindstick.com/blog/136/using-watermark-functionality-in-textbox-by-jquery) will make it easier to enter into WhatsApp accounts securely, claims a WABetaInfo report. A screenshot that demonstrates the functionality of this feature is also included in the report. WhatsApp passkeys will verify [your identity](https://www.mindstick.com/blog/12451/finding-your-identity-5-ways-to-make-your-brand-stand-out) using a string of numbers or characters. Only authorized devices can be validated thanks to the feature. With this feature, WhatsApp will let users add [biometric data](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/334558/fortifying-authentication-securely-encrypting-and-protecting-biometric-data-in-modern-systems) to prove their identity, such as a fingerprint, face, or even a screen lock.

---

Original Source: https://www.mindstick.com/news/3334/what-makes-whatsapp-passkeys-different-from-the-current-otp-based-verification-system

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