Lock WhatsApp with fingerprint: How to do it on Android and iPhone

Lock WhatsApp from prying friends by using your fingerprint. You will need a smartphone that features a fingerprint sensor.

WhatsApp has an inbuilt privacy feature that lets you have your fingerprint protect your WhatsApp chats. (Pixabay)

WhatsApp chats can be the most prized possession on your phone and hence, it makes sense to protect it from your family and friends. After all, you wouldn't want your family members to snoop on your conversations with your girlfriend, or your son to go through your office WhatsApp group jokes. One of the easiest way to do is to use your fingerprint.

WhatsApp has an inbuilt privacy feature that lets you have your fingerprint protect your WhatsApp chats. Whether you use an Android phone or an iPhone, you can have your fingerprint act as another layer of security to safeguard your chats from the prying eyes of your social circle.

WhatsApp fingerprint lock: What you need

You must have already figured out that a fingerprint lock will need a fingerprint sensor. Hence, whether you use an Android device or an iPhone, ensure that it has a fingerprint sensor. Most Android phones costing above ₹10,000 have the scanner as standard. With iPhones, you only get a fingerprint scanner (Touch ID) on the iPhone SE 2020 and on older models such as the iPhone 8, iPhone 7, and iPhone 6S.

How to set up on Android

-Ensure that you have the fingerprint lock enabled for unlocking your phone.

-Open WhatsApp and head over to Settings > Account > Privacy.

-Next, scroll down to the “Fingerprint Lock” option. You will see it disabled.

-Tap on the button. Your phone will ask you to confirm your fingerprint.

-Next, you will be given the option to choose the time duration. You can choose from Immediately, 1 minute or after 30 minutes.

-You can also check the option to hide the message content in notifications.

How to set up on iPhone

-Ensure that your TouchID is enabled.

-Next, you have to open WhatsApp.

-Head over to Settings > Account > Privacy.

-Scroll down to Screen Lock and tap on it.

-Tap on the “Require Touch ID" option.

-You will be asked to choose your time duration from Immediately, 1 minute, 15 minutes, and After 1 Hour.