WhatsApp has multiple features, many of which you can read about in our tips and tricks, but one of the great ones it offers is the ability to lock it with biometric security: Your fingerprint.

We've got a separate feature on how you can lock WhatsApp on iOS, but here we are detailing how to lock WhatsApp with your fingerprint on Android. Here's what you need to know and how it works.

How does locking WhatsApp with biometric security work?

You can lock the WhatsApp mobile app with your fingerprint on Android. It works just like it sounds: When the feature is enabled, you'll need to use your fingerprint to unlock the app even after unlocking your phone.

It's an added level of security, to help ensure you're the only person who can access the WhatsApp app on your mobile device.

How to enable Fingerprint Lock on WhatsApp

You can toggle on the Fingerprint Lock feature from within the app's Privacy settings menu. You'll see options to let the app stay unlocked for one or 30 minutes after you unlock it. There's also an option that stops the contents of your messages from appearing in notifications.

WhatsApp for Android

  1. Open WhatsApp.
  2. Tap Settings.
  3. Tap Account.
  4. Tap Privacy.
  5. Go to Fingerprint Lock.
  6. Switch on Unlock with fingerprint, and then confirm your fingerprint.

WhatsApp for iOS

  1. Open WhatsApp.
  2. Tap Settings.
  3. Tap Account.
  4. Tap Privacy.
  5. Go to Screen Lock.
  6. Turn on Touch ID or Face ID.
  7. You can then tap to select the amount of time before Touch ID or Face ID is prompted.

Want to know more?

Check out WhatsApp's blog post and support hub.