Security and privacy should be your main priority. When it comes to chats, any information involved has to remain private for both entities. To prevent someone from discovering your conversation, one way to do that is by locking the messaging app.
WhatsApp as one of the most popular online messaging platforms does come with a variety of protection to ensure security. But many of which didn’t enable by default. Instead, it’s up to you as the user to make use of it.
And you probably don’t know that fingerprint authentication is available all along in the app. Here’s how to use your fingerprint to lock your WhatsApp messages.
1. Open WhatsApp and head to Settings.
2. Select Account.
3. Tap on Privacy.
4. Scroll down and hit Fingerprint lock.
5. Enable the Unlock with fingerprint option.
6. Put your fingertip to the fingerprint sensor.
7. Once submitted, the fingerprint lock will be enabled. You may change the timer and notification configurations.
8. Here’s what the fingerprint prompt message looks like.
It looks safe and prevents anyone to read your messages without the correct fingerprint information.
But if you see the lock screen, there is no backup authentication in case the fingerprint reader got damaged or your palm is sweaty. Make sure that it works every time you need to open the app.
Otherwise, most Android phones come with a built-in fingerprint locking mechanism that can be applied to select apps. It’s often has a backup path in case you can’t log in with the fingerprint.
Your messages deserve strong protection. Adding biometric security to WhatsApp provides an extra shield against unauthorized access to your private conversations.
Table of Contents
Why Use Fingerprint Lock
Fingerprint authentication creates an additional security layer beyond your phone’s default lock screen. This means even if someone gains access to your unlocked device, they still can’t open WhatsApp without your unique fingerprint.
Additional Security Options
After enabling fingerprint lock, you can customize these settings:
- Lock Timer: Choose between immediate lock, 1 minute, or 30 minutes after closing the app
- Content Visibility: Hide or show message content in notifications
- Screen Lock: Prevent WhatsApp content from appearing in recent apps preview
Important Considerations
The fingerprint lock feature requires your device to have fingerprint authentication already set up in your system settings. For maximum security, consider these complementary measures:
- Enable two-factor authentication
- Use end-to-end encrypted backups
- Regularly review your privacy settings
- Limit who can see your profile information
FAQ
What if my fingerprint sensor stops working?
Consider using your phone’s built-in app locking mechanism as a backup, which typically offers alternative authentication methods.
Does fingerprint lock affect WhatsApp Web?
No, the fingerprint lock only secures access to the mobile app. WhatsApp Web sessions remain unaffected.
Can I use face recognition instead?
iOS users can use Face ID, while Android users are currently limited to fingerprint authentication.
Remember: While fingerprint lock adds security, it’s just one part of a comprehensive approach to protecting your WhatsApp messages. Combine it with other security features for the best protection.
