As iPhone users were still enjoying the Touch ID and Face ID bragging rights, Will Cathcart (Head of WhatsApp) introduced the WhatsApp new Fingerprint feature to android users. The feature was tested for a little while on beta users before WhatsApp officially announced.
The 8 months of wait have finally paid off for Android users who couldn’t stand the provocations from the iPhone world.
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Why you need WhatsApp new fingerprint feature?
- The new extra layer of security gives you an upper hand of privacy against all stalkers and info-hunters.
- The biometric authentication is a new wave of technology on the rise giving you easy access to your desired location (WhatsApp).
- It is fast and an immediate solution to problems like forgetting PINs and un-secure messaging.
Are you tired of your sneaky boy/girlfriend reading your WhatsApp messages? WhatsApp has come to your rescue with the Fingerprint Lock feature.
Who is getting the new WhatsApp fingerprint feature?
- Android users with devices that have physical fingerprint scanners as well as in-display scanners can now enjoy a Fingerprint Unlock feature.
- The feature gives Android users a security option that is more in line with what is available in the iOS version of the app.
Image; How to set Fingerprint Lock on WhatsApp?
How to set up the lock?
- To experience the latest feature, users need to update their Android WhatsApp app to the latest version 2.19.308.
- Once you have updated the WhatsApp app to the current version;
- Go to Settings > Account > Privacy > Fingerprint lock. Toggle/Turn on Unlock with fingerprint and confirm your fingerprint.
Chats and notifications can be locked by using the same fingerprint that is used for the screen lock. To customize the time duration of the unlock, choose either of the options that include; Every time, 1 minute and 30 minutes.
READ: How to Know if you have been blocked on WhatsApp
However, with all the benefits of the Fingerprint feature at hand, there are still a few loopholes we need to look at like;
- Receiving WhatsApp calls even when the app is locked.
- Dropdown notification view of messages if the show notifications button is not turned off.
- The inability to change your fingerprint; Incase it is cloned; there is forever access to whatever you were protecting which is different from PINs.
Conclusion
The above shouldn’t scare you off this amazing feature. Just a word to a wise. The Fingerprint lock feature brings convenience, privacy and reliability that we are all looking for.