Earlier Today, WhatsApp announced the launch of Fingerprint Lock for Android – finally introducing biometric authentication on the app for this platform. Meanwhile, iPhone users have been enjoying both Touch ID (fingerprint recognition) and Face ID (facial recognition) since February this year. With the feature, Android users can now have the app lock automatically, and unlock only with their fingerprint. The move comes at a time WhatsApp is making headlines thanks to a recent hack, and its fallout including a lawsuit against spyware-maker NSO Group alleged to have made the hack possible.
Just like the Touch ID feature enabled for iPhone users, WhatsApp for Android users will now have the ability to choose to lock the app – with their fingerprints as authentication to unlock it thereafter. You can also choose how much time the app will automatically lock in, from immediately after closing, to after 1 minute, and after 30 minutes. You will also have the privilege to choose whether the content of their messages will be visible in notifications, including the sender of the message.
The features are visible clearly in the company provided screenshot above.
To turn WhatsApp Fingerprint Lock for Android on, users will have to visit Settings > Account > Privacy > Fingerprint lock. Once they enable the Unlock with fingerprint option, they will have to confirm their fingerprint. The feature should begin rolling out soon for Android users across the globe.
