Key Takeaways
- You can setup Face ID or Touch ID for WhatsApp for added 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 passcode.
WhatsApp offers several features to keep your chats 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 on setting up this security feature, how to bypass it if necessary, and answers to some common questions about the process.
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Setting up Face ID or Touch ID for WhatsApp
How to lock WhatsApp
- Open WhatsApp: Start the WhatsApp application on your iPhone.
- Go to Settings: Tap on the Settings icon in the bottom right corner.
- Privacy Settings: Select Privacy from the list.
- Activate Screen Lock: Tap on Screen Lock and switch the Require Face ID or Require Touch ID option to ON.
- Choose a time duration: Decide how soon WhatsApp should require Face ID or Touch ID after closing.
What happens next?
After you turn on Screen Lock, WhatsApp will need your face or fingerprint to open your chats. You’ll still be able to reply to messages from notifications and take calls without unlocking the app. If Face ID or Touch ID doesn’t recognize you, a locked screen will appear, asking for authentication. If it fails multiple times, you’ll get the option to enter your iPhone’s passcode.
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How to access WhatsApp without Face ID or Touch ID
Steps to bypass the 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 it.
- Enter your passcode: Input your iPhone’s passcode to make changes.
- Adjust permissions for apps: Look for Other Apps under the Use Face ID/Touch ID For section and turn off WhatsApp.
- Open WhatsApp again: Now, when you launch WhatsApp, it will ask for your iPhone’s passcode instead of biometric identification.
This method temporarily removes the biometric lock from WhatsApp, allowing access with your iPhone’s passcode. It’s a handy workaround if you can’t use Face ID or Touch ID.
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Can WhatsApp be locked with a password?
Understanding your options
WhatsApp doesn’t support locking the app with a custom password. It uses the security features of your iPhone, like Face ID, Touch ID, or the device’s passcode. If Face ID or Touch ID fails, for instance, because your hands are wet or you’re wearing sunglasses, your iPhone will request its passcode. You can’t set a separate passcode just for WhatsApp.
More WhatsApp FAQs
Q. What if Face ID or Touch ID doesn’t work?
If they don’t work, you can try again or use your iPhone’s passcode after a few failed attempts.
Q. Can I still reply to messages with WhatsApp locked?
Yes, you can reply to messages from 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 with Face ID or Touch ID, you’ll still receive notifications as usual. You can view the sender and part of the message from the notification and reply directly from it without having to unlock the app.
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