This feature is similar to the fingerprint unlock feature that is used on phones and protects your chats or docs from getting snooped upon. The Facebook-owned messaging platform had already introduced the feature on iOS devices and finally rolled it out for Android users as well, making the announcement in a tweet. “Earlier this year, we rolled out Touch ID and Face ID for iPhone to provide an extra layer of security for WhatsApp users. Today we’re introducing similar authentication, allowing you to unlock the app with your fingerprint, on supported Android phones,” WhatsApp further said in a blog post. For users who already have a fingerprint registered for unlocking the phone, the process is pretty straightforward. However, before starting, you need to be on the latest version of WhatsApp. For Android, the current latest build number is 2.19.308 on the PlayStore.
Open WhatsApp.Go to Settings>Account>Privacy>Fingerprint lock.Turn on Unlock with Fingerprint toggle.You will be taken to a new screen. Scan your fingerprint to confirm the authentication.
iPhone users can also enable biometric locking on WhatsApp by visiting the Privacy tab under settings and enabling Face ID or Touch ID based on the version of their phone.
Open WhatsApp.Go to Settings>Account>Privacy>Screen lock.Turn on Require Face ID or Touch ID.
Now, you’re safe from peeping toms. Once the fingerprint is set, you can access chats only by scanning it. Nevertheless, one is still able to reply to messages from the notification shade while the app is locked. Plus, users who use the app frequently can also select an option to delay the fingerprint lock because the options available are Immediate, After 1 minute, and after 30 minutes.
