How to Lock WhatsApp on iPhone Using Touch ID or Face ID

Last Updated: July 24, 2020 2:42 pm

I never want anyone to bump into personal messages without my permission. And I guess, most of us want to offer a shield to our conversations to keep prying eyes at bay. That’s the reason why I’m really glad to know that it’s possible to lock WhatsApp on iPhone with Face ID or Touch ID.

Once you have shielded this messaging app, you will have to authenticate before being able to open the app. Of course, you will still be able to reply to messages from the Notification Center or respond to calls. Let me help you get started!

How to Lock WhatsApp on iPhone

Sticky Note:

Ensure that you’ve already enabled Touch/Face ID on your iPhone. If you are yet to get it done, open Settings app → Face ID/Touch ID & Passcode and set it up as usual
Besides, make sure you are running the latest (2.19.20) version of the app. As it’s a new update, the rollout might not be available everywhere as yet

Step #1. Launch WhatsApp on your iPhone.

Step #2. Now, tap on Settings icon at the bottom right corner.

Step #3. Next, tap on Accounts.

Step #4. Next up, tap on Privacy.

Step #5. Up next, tap on Screen Lock.

Step #6. Now, turn on the switch next to Require Face ID or Touch ID.

You can choose to set the app to require authentication immediately or after 1 minute, 15 minute or 1 hour. For better result, make sure Immediately is selected.

Going forward, whenever you open the messaging app, you will be asked to authenticate.

Video: Lock WhatsApp on iPhone using Face ID or Touch ID

Wish More Apps Followed Suit…

I wish every single iOS app followed suit. It offers another layer of safeguard to your data and also prevents anyone from accessing your info without your nod. That’s why it’s on our wishlist in iOS 13.

Some of the apps that I want to get this feature sooner than later are Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Apple Mail, Photos app and more.

What If You Want to Lock More Apps On Your iPhone or iPad?

Though not perfect, there is a workaround through which you can lock most apps on your iPhone and iPad using a passcode. If you think that some of your apps need to be safeguarded against unauthorized access, check out this hands-on guide.

Wrapping Up…

With the most popular messaging app embracing the lock feature, I expect many other similar apps like Viber, Messenger, and Snapchat getting onboard soon. Let me know the name of the apps, which you want to implement this security feature as soon as possible.

You’d like to have a glance at these posts as well:

What’s your take on this security feature? Share your thoughts down below.