Facebook-owned messaging app Whatsapp has recently released the latest update for iPhone users that will add an extra layer of security. The latest version of Whatsapp allows its users to open their app using TouchID or FaceID. The feature is only available on iOS; users will find this new setting lurking at the bottom of the Privacy menu.
Depending on your iPhone model, you will get the option of either using TouchID or FaceID to restrict the access to the app. Whatsapp already has end-to-end encryption making it one of the most secured apps. However, this new feature is all set to make it even more secure. This feature is available with the 2.19.20 version of Whatsapp.
How to use the new feature?
In order to set up this biometric authentication on your Apple phone, you need to go to the Settings and then tap on Account and click on the ‘Screen Lock’. Once you click on the ‘Screen Lock’ screen, the app would show you the available authentication method- TouchID or FaceID- to unlock your Whatsapp depending upon your iPhone model.
Security to messages
Well, you can’t secure your messages on the chat basis but this new security feature should give the contents of your messages more protection even if your phone is unlocked. The company has not yet included a feature where an individual chat can be locked. You will have to be careful about the about the notification settings as you will be able to see the messages and reply to them without unlocking the Whatsapp. You will also be able to respond to the Whatsapp calls without having to unlock the Whatsapp first.
Though iPhone is already protected with TouchID and FaceID authentication, it is good that Facebook is adding biometric authentication directly to the Whatsapp as well. This means that you can feel safe lending your iPhone to your friend or family to search something on the web while knowing that they can’t open your Whatsapp and read your personal messages.
At the present moment, the feature is available to the iOS version of the Whatsapp. However, according to recent surveys, Android users will get a similar feature in the coming future. We hope more messaging apps will implement this layer of security as well in the future.
Are you going to protect your Whatsapp with this new feature? If you love this newly added security feature of Whatsapp then let us know in the comments section.
