Archives: January 2025

iOS Passkey is Here! A Simpler, Safer Way to Secure Your WeChat Account

News
As cyber threats continue to escalate, digital security must evolve to keep pace with such threats. Apple’s latest innovation, Passkeys, offers a more secure and convenient way to log in to your accounts on iOS devices. By eliminating the need for traditional passwords, Passkeys provide a robust defense against account security threats.

Passkeys leverage biometric authentication, such as Face ID and Touch ID, offering a seamless and secure way to protect your devices. Still hesitant about switching from passwords to Passkeys? Consider these drawbacks of traditional passwords:

● vulnerability to phishing: passwords are easily compromised through phishing attacks.

● complexity and management: managing unique passwords for multiple accounts is burdensome and error-prone.

● security risks: storing passwords in physical notebooks or digital vaults introduces additional risks.

● 2FA limitations: while two-factor authentication adds a layer of security, it can be inconvenient and less efficient compared to simply entering a password.

● 2FA vulnerabilities: even 2FA has its own security vulnerabilities. For example, attackers can exploit fake login pages, SIM swapping, proxy servers to intercept OTPs, and more.

Hence, WeChat’s latest iOS update (8.0.54) embraces the Passkey technology, offering a more secure and convenient login experience. By eliminating the need for complex passwords, users can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to their accounts.

 

Setting Up Passkey on WeChat with an iOS device

To enable Passkey on your WeChat account, follow these steps:

1.  Open WeChat and navigate to 「Me」>「Settings」>「Account Security」>「Passkey」

2.  Select 「Create」> Enter your password > Tap「Continue」when prompted.

3.  Once setup is complete, the status of Passkey will be displayed as “Enabled” under Account Security.

 

4.  When logging in, select “Log in with Passkey” on the login screen, tap 「Continue」, and use Face ID to sign in.

Troubleshooting Passkey Issues

If you’ve updated your operating system and WeChat app but are still unable to use the Passkey feature, consider the following:

● Check your phone’s 「Settings」>「AutoFill & Passwords」, ensure the Apple Password App is set as the default for creating Passkeys, and confirm that autofill is enabled.

● Alternatively, use a compatible third-party password manager to create Passkeys.

● If neither option is accessible, you may need to download an appropriate app to enable this feature.

Deleting a Passkey

If you wish to stop using the Passkey feature, you can delete it as follows:

Open WeChat, go to 「Me」 >「Settings」>「Account and Security」>「Passkey」, and tap 「Delete and Disable」>「Delete」> Follow the instructions to complete the deletion.

Alternatively, go to the “Passwords” App >「Passkey」>「WeChat」> Tap「Edit」from the top right-hand corner >「Delete」.

Availability and Requirements

Currently, this feature is exclusive to iOS users and is not available for Android devices. To use Passkey for logging in to WeChat, ensure the following:

● Update your WeChat app to the latest version (8.0.54 or later).

● Update your operating system to iOS 16, iPadOS 16, or newer.

Mini Programs Now Support Translation in Up to 18 Languages

News

In mainland of China, most merchants rely on Weixin Mini Programs to enhance service quality and provide greater convenience for consumers. With Mini Programs, there’s no need to download separate apps for different brands—the Weixin Mini Program feature grants access to the services offered by most businesses.

From searching for dining options, enjoying food delivery, and taking queue numbers for tables, making reservations, shopping online, to accessing promotional deals, Mini Programs streamline everyday tasks. These features are widely embraced by Chinese businesses, which frequently update their Mini Programs to meet evolving customer needs.

Confused about the differences between WeChat and Weixin? Kindly refer here.

Expanding Global Usability

Mini Programs are not confined to China‘s mainland, they can be accessed and used in other regions, though some location-specific services may not be available. A recent significant update now allows users to link international bank cards to Weixin Pay. This enables international users to make payments for orders, rides, and other Program services in China’s Mainland. As a result, understanding the content of a Mini Program has become increasingly important.

 

To cater to a diverse global audience, WeChat has introduced a translation feature that enables users to translate Mini Program content instantly with just a tap. This feature removes language barriers, allowing seamless use of Mini Programs without the need to learn Chinese. Available to both WeChat and Weixin users, the translation feature supports up to 18 languages, including: Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese (Taiwan), Traditional Chinese (Hong Kong), English, Indonesian, Malay, Spanish, Korean, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Thai, Vietnamese, Arabic, Turkish, German and French. This update ensures a more user-friendly experience for global audiences.

 

How to Set Your Default Translation Language

To enhance efficiency, set your preferred default translation language before using this feature:

1.  Open WeChat.

2.  Navigate to 「Me」>「Settings」>「General」>「Translate」.

3.  Select 「Translate text to」>pick your preferred default translation language.

Before using the Translation feature, ensure your app is updated to the latest version.

 

1. How to Access Mini Programs

Follow these simple steps to start using Mini Programs:

● Tap 「Discover」 > 「Mini Programs」, then search for the store, brand or service you’re looking for.

2. How to Use the Translation Feature

Experience the new translation feature in Mini Programs with ease:

● Tap 「…」 in the top right-hand corner of the Mini Program.

● Select 「Translation」, and the current page will be translated into your default language.

3. How to Cancel Translation

If you wish to cancel the translation and return to the original language:

● Tap 「…」 > 「Stop Translating」, and the content will revert to its original language.

4. How to Switch to Another Language

To switch to a different translation language:

● Tap 「…」 > 「Change Language」, then select your preferred language from the list.