How to use fingerprint lock to protect your WhatsApp chats on Android

WhatsApp doesn't have password protection, but the service lets you secure your messages with biometric authentication instead. If you enable this feature, you'll have to unlock the app with your fingerprint to view your chats. Here's how to get started with fingerprint lock on WhatsApp for Android.

How to password protect your WhatsApp chats on Android

1. Open WhatsApp from the app drawer or home screen.
2. Tap the action overflow menu (three vertical dots) on the top right corner.

3. Hit Settings.

   Source: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central

4. Tap Account.
5. Tap Privacy.

6. Scroll down to see all the options.

   Source: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central

7. Tap Fingerprint lock.
8. Toggle Unlock with fingerprint to On.

9. Verify using your fingerprint to enable the feature.

   Source: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central

10. Once active, you'll be able to set a time for when WhatsApp automatically locks. There are three options in the Automatically lock settings:
    • Immediately: Locks WhatsApp as soon as you exit the app. You'll need to use your fingerprint every time to view messages.
    • After 1 minute: Locks WhatsApp one minute after you exit the app.
    • After 30 minutes: Locks WhatsApp 30 minutes after you exit the app. Use this if you need to secure your account but don't want to unlock every time.

11. You can also disable message previews from showing up in the notification shade. Toggle Show content in notifications to Off to make sure messages don't show up on the lock screen or notification panel.

    Source: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central

You will still be able to take audio and video calls even when WhatsApp is locked, as the feature is primarily aimed at securing your messages. Fingerprint lock brings much-needed privacy controls to your WhatsApp account, and if you're worried about someone else reading your messages, you now know how to set it up and use.