What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
WhatsApp cloud backups can be protected with end-to-end encryption, but the feature is optional: you must turn it on and keep access to the recovery method you choose. Meta announced the feature in 2021 for backups stored in Google Drive or iCloud. WhatsApp’s current Help Center lists passkeys as well as passwords and 64-digit encryption keys.
What Meta announced in 2021
On October 14, 2021, Meta announced an optional end-to-end encryption layer for WhatsApp backups stored in Google Drive or iCloud. At launch, Meta described two ways to protect a backup: a password chosen by the user or a 64-digit encryption key. Meta said neither WhatsApp nor the backup provider could read protected backups or access the key needed to unlock them. That was Meta’s corporate statement about the feature, not an independent audit finding. Meta’s announcement said rollout would be gradual to people using the latest WhatsApp version; that historical statement does not guarantee availability on any particular account today.
Meta’s technical explanation, published September 10, 2021, says WhatsApp creates a unique, randomly generated encryption key for each encrypted backup. In the password method described then, a hardware security module-based Backup Key Vault safeguards the key and returns it to the WhatsApp client after the password is verified; the client uses it to decrypt the backup. With the 64-digit-key method, the user enters the key manually. This is Meta’s description of its design, not an independent verification.
How to turn on end-to-end encrypted backups
WhatsApp’s Help Center documents this path: Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > End-to-end encrypted backup > Turn on. The available menu labels may vary by app version or platform; this is the path in WhatsApp’s published guidance, not a claim of hands-on testing. WhatsApp’s instructions currently describe creating a passkey, with More options for a password or 64-digit encryption key.
#1 Best Overall
- Universal unlocked. Compatible with all major U.S. carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and other prepaid carriers.
- Super-bright, super-smooth 6.7" display. See your screen clearly even outdoors in sunlight, and enjoy seamless views with a fast-refreshing 120Hz display.*
- AI-powered camera system. Take stunning photos in any light with the 50MP camera**, look your best with a 32MP selfie cam*****, and capture extreme close-ups.
- Superfast 5G performance. Unleash your entertainment at 5G speed*** with the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset and up to 12GB of RAM with RAM Boost****.
- Long-lasting battery + TurboPower charging. Power through day after day with a 5200mAh battery, then get hours of power in just minutes.****
- Open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
- Tap End-to-end encrypted backup, then tap Turn on.
- Follow the prompts to create a passkey, or choose More options to use a password or 64-digit encryption key.
- Keep the selected recovery method somewhere you can access when restoring the backup.
Choose a recovery method you can retain
Passkey, password and 64-digit key are different ways to authenticate access; no single method is established as universally safest or easiest. Consider which one you can reliably keep and use when restoring a backup.
| Method | What WhatsApp says | Practical consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Passkey | Can use a fingerprint, face or screen lock, and may be saved securely in a password manager such as Google Password Manager on Android. WhatsApp Help Center | Depends on compatible device and passkey setup. Android requirements are Android 9 or higher, Google Mobile Services version 241217000 or higher, and a configured screen lock such as a PIN, password or pattern. These stated requirements are for Android, not iOS. |
| Password | Listed as an available backup-protection method. WhatsApp Help Center | Choose a password you can retrieve when restoring; forgetting it can leave the backup inaccessible. |
| 64-digit encryption key | Listed as an available backup-protection method. WhatsApp Help Center | Retain the full key securely and ensure you can enter it when needed. |
What happens if you lose the credential?
WhatsApp says you cannot access an encrypted backup without its passkey, password or encryption key. If you lose access to your WhatsApp account and forget the password or encryption key, WhatsApp says it cannot send you a copy, reset the credential or restore the backup. A password manager may help you retain a passkey, but it does not bypass WhatsApp’s recovery requirement. Review the recovery method you selected and make sure it remains available to you.
Rank #2
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
What iPhone device backups mean
WhatsApp’s separate iPhone guidance warns that automatic iPhone device backups may include WhatsApp chats that are not protected by WhatsApp’s end-to-end encrypted chat backup. Turning off WhatsApp in the iPhone device backup does not itself enable end-to-end encrypted chat backups. This warning is specific to WhatsApp’s iPhone guidance; it should not be assumed to describe Android device backups.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Rank #3
- Charger NOT Included, 6.7" Super AMOLED FHD+, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 385 ppi, 800 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px, 5000mAh Battery
- 128GB, 4GB RAM, microSDXC, Exynos 1330 (5nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 2MP, f/2.4 (macro), LED flash, panorama, HDR; Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
- 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100; 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 2/5/25/41/66/71/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →
