Users of WhatsApp on Android smartphones have just been given a major security upgrade which could keep your chats protected for good.

WhatsApp users can now use passkeys, which are a nifty alternative to passwords. Simply put, it means you can lock your WhatsApp account with your face ID, fingerprint, or PIN.

So, if someone knows your phone's screen unlock code, you could still keep WhatsApp private by adding an extra layer of protection. For those readers with kids who like to game on their phone, it's a great way to ensure they don't see anything sensitive.

READ MORE: WhatsApp secret code will fix a worrying flaw with your private chats

It also means if you get logged out of your WhatsApp account, you can easily regain access without having to dig out your old password.

Meta announced the change on Twitter - but there's no word on when iPhone users will get it (
Image:
Meta / WhatsApp)

On top of that, if your phone is stolen or hacked, you can ensure that nobody can access your private chats.

Announcing the news on Twitter, the official WhatsApp account said: "Android users can easily and securely log back in with passkeys [...] only your face, fingerprint, or PIN unlocks your WhatsApp account."

The change comes as part of a wider move by Google to get Android users using passkeys. These are a secure alternative to passwords which let you sign into all the different sites and apps on your phone without needing to remember different login details.

There's no word yet on when the feature will be coming to iPhone users, although in all likelihood Apple fans can expect to see the same tools coming their way soon.