Key operations
- You can set up Face ID or Touch ID for WhatsApp for extra privacy.
- You can bypass the biometric lock to access WhatsApp using a passcode.
- WhatsApp doesn’t allow passwords — it uses Face ID, Touch ID, or a password.
WhatsApp offers several features to keep your conversations private, and one useful security measure is the ability to lock the app with Face ID or Touch ID. This ensures that your conversations remain private, even when your iPhone is unlocked. Here’s a quick guide to setting up this security feature, how to bypass it if necessary, and answers to some common questions about the process.
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Pocket lint
Setting up Face ID or Touch ID for WhatsApp
How to lock WhatsApp
- Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp app on your iPhone.
- Go to Settings: Tap the Settings icon in the lower right corner.
- Privacy settings: Select Privacy from the list.
- Activate the screen lock: Touch Screen lock and switch Require Face ID or Require Touch ID to ON.
- Choose a time duration: Decide how soon WhatsApp should require Face ID or Touch ID after closing.
What’s next?
Once you turn on the screen lock, WhatsApp will need your face or fingerprint to open your conversations. You’ll still be able to reply to notifications and receive calls without unlocking the app. If you are not recognized by Face ID or Touch ID, a lock screen will appear asking for authentication. If it fails repeatedly, you will be given the option to enter your iPhone passcode.
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What’s up
How to access WhatsApp without Face ID or Touch ID
Steps to bypass biometric lock
- Go to iPhone settings: Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Find Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode: Scroll down to this option and tap on it.
- Enter your password: Enter your iPhone passcode to make changes.
- Set app permissions: Look for Other apps under Use Face ID/Touch ID For and turn off WhatsApp.
- Open WhatsApp again: Now, when you launch WhatsApp, it will ask for your iPhone password instead of biometric identification.
This method temporarily removes the biometric lock from WhatsApp, allowing access using your iPhone’s passcode. It’s a handy solution if you can’t use Face ID or Touch ID.
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Can WhatsApp be password locked?
Understanding your options
WhatsApp does not support locking the app using a custom password. It uses your iPhone’s security features, such as Face ID, Touch ID, or the device passcode. If Face ID or Touch ID fails, for example, because your hands are wet or you’re wearing sunglasses, your iPhone will ask for your passcode. You cannot set a separate password just for WhatsApp.
More WhatsApp FAQs
Q. What if Face ID or Touch ID doesn’t work?
If they fail, you can try again or use your iPhone passcode after several failed attempts.
Q. Can I still reply to messages while WhatsApp is locked?
Yes, you can reply to notifications and answer calls without unlocking WhatsApp, keeping you connected.
Q. What happens to my WhatsApp notifications when the app is locked?
When WhatsApp is locked using Face ID or Touch ID, you will still receive notifications as usual. You can see the sender and part of the message from the notification and reply directly from it without having to unlock the app.