Exciting update: The much-awaited Whatsapp Fingerprint lock feature for Android phones has been launched! Android users can now safeguard their WhatsApp app by using Fingerprint ID authentication to lock and unlock it.
Initially announced in January 2019, the feature was released on iOS in February and made available to Android beta testers in August. Now, it's finally rolling out worldwide for all Android users.
With this new biometric security layer, you can add an extra level of protection to your WhatsApp conversations. This means you no longer have to rely on third-party app lockers or contemplate switching to an expensive iPhone solely for this feature.
WhatsApp has launched a new feature for Android users, allowing them to unlock and secure their app using Fingerprint ID authentication. Here's everything you need to know to get started with this new feature:
How to Use Fingerprint ID for WhatsApp on Android
- First, update your WhatsApp app to the latest version from the Google Play Store.
- Open the app and go to WhatsApp Settings, which can be accessed by clicking the three dots in the top right corner.
- Click on Account and then Privacy, where you'll see a new option called 'Fingerprint lock' under 'Privacy'.
- Enable the 'Unlock with fingerprint' option to turn on the feature.
- Confirm your selection by touching the fingerprint sensor.
- Once the Fingerprint Authentication is turned on, the widget content will be hidden by default.
However, users can still answer WhatsApp calls and reply to messages from notifications since the authentication of the fingerprint is only required when the user wants to open the app and access it.
WhatsApp is also offering more options with this new fingerprint unlock feature. Users can choose to let WhatsApp ask for fingerprint authentication as soon as they close the app, or they can set a specific time limit.
Additionally, users can also hide the content of the messages in the notifications for enhanced security.
Once the option is enabled, users will see the WhatsApp app ask for fingerprint data as soon as they open it.
Once the verification is done, the app will open, and the user can access all the chats and messages. The feature should work on phones with conventional fingerprint sensors along with modern in-display fingerprint sensors.