WhatsApp for iPhone Now Lets You Lock App With Face ID or Touch ID

[MacRumors]

WhatsApp has enabled a new Face ID authentication option for iPhones that support the feature, in the latest update to the messenger app (via WABetaInfo).

The Facebook-owned platform has been testing the feature for iPhone X and newer devices in its TestFlight beta releases for some weeks now, but version 2.19.20 of WhatsApp, now on the App Store, makes Face ID available for all users with supporting iPhones.

When enabled, users need to use Face ID to unlock the WhatsApp app, but they can still reply to messages from notifications and answer calls when the app is locked.

To require Face ID to unlock WhatsApp, tap Settings -> Account -> Privacy -> Screen Lock and toggle on the Require Face ID switch. Users with a fingerprint sensing Home button on their iPhones will see an option to Require Touch ID instead.

With the Face ID/Touch ID toggle enabled, users will see some additional options appear below that allow them to activate the authentication requirement immediately, after one minute, after 15 minutes, or after one hour.

When the app is locked, if the iPhone fails to recognize a face or fingerprint, users can alternatively choose to enter their iPhone Passcode to open WhatsApp.

Elsewhere in this update, a smaller change means users can now download individual stickers in a sticker pack from the in-app sticker store, rather than having to download the whole pack. Just select a stickers pack, tap and hold the desired sticker, then tap Add to Favorites in the pop-up pane.

WhatsApp is a free download for iPhone available on the iOS App Store. [Direct Link]

Article Link: WhatsApp for iPhone Now Lets You Lock App With Face ID or Touch ID

 

[19callum93]

This appears to not have been rolled out in the UK yet? I’ve checked for the latest update, it’s not showing on my App Store.

 

[HacKage]

This appears to not have been rolled out in the UK yet? I’ve checked for the latest update, it’s not showing on my App Store.

It is for me, just checked the App Store and an update was available.

 

[iGeek2014]

I'm in the U.K and it's available to me.

 

[19callum93]

It is for me, just checked the App Store and an update was available.

Just rechecked the update section on the App Store, still wasn’t bowing. So I searched the app instead and it said “update”. It’s updating now aha.

 

[alexe]

I don‘t understand why Apple won‘t finally allow to password-lock any app (without the Screentime workaround).

 

[macfacts]

I don‘t understand why Apple won‘t finally allow to password-lock any app (without the Screentime workaround).

Yes this should be built in to the OS, not each individual app.

 

[BvizioN]

There are quite a few apps, including photo App that wish did allow this option.

 

[Gudi]

I don‘t understand why Apple won‘t finally allow to password-lock any app (without the Screentime workaround).

Because you’re not supposed to save porn gifs to your camera roll.

 

[The Game 161]

Got to admit I like this added level of security

 

[Shanghaichica]

Just got this update and I’m pleased. It’s nice.

 

[Mikkis]

This is nice and all but they should start the privacy improvements by not showing the sender name on the notification until unlocked. I think it is a serious privacy problem if anyone touching your phone screen can see who has send you a message.

 

[cableguy84]

Always good to have some added security incase phone is stolen when unlocked.

 

[Fox_Vulpez]

Finally, my WhatsApp can be secured without having to activate the unrealistic screen time limitation settings.

*Unrealistic because people still access for the first minute of the day.

 

[AnthonyG6]

This is nice and all but they should start the privacy improvements by not showing the sender name on the notification until unlocked. I think it is a serious privacy problem if anyone touching your phone screen can see who has send you a message.

This is already the case if you have a FaceID device. I have the iPhone X and when I get a Whatsapp message it only shows as a 'Whatsapp Notification', then when I look at the phone and it recognises me, it shows who the sender is. This is one of the best features of FaceID in my opinion.

 

[Populus]

Now it's time for Discord and other messaging apps (does Telegram have it?) to implement this.

But I agree that implementing it system wide on iOS would be a better idea.

However, having the phone locked with Face ID or Touch ID, how can be useful to lock apps individually?

 

[Manatlt]

This is already the case if you have a FaceID device. I have the iPhone X and when I get a Whatsapp message it only shows as a 'Whatsapp Notification', then when I look at the phone and it recognises me, it shows who the sender is. This is one of the best features of FaceID in my opinion.

This is also possible with Touch ID mind you.

 

[RickDEGH]

I don‘t understand why Apple won‘t finally allow to password-lock any app (without the Screentime workaround).

Like I have said elsewhere on this platform, the Screentime workaround doesn’t even work, because, for example, if you locked your Photos app, you could still access your photos from every other app which has access to your photos. So pointless!

 

[HacKage]

Now it's time for Discord and other messaging apps (does Telegram have it?) to implement this.

But I agree that implementing it system wide on iOS would be a better idea.

However, having the phone locked with Face ID or Touch ID, how can be useful to lock apps individually?

Because if somebody wanted to use your phone to control Spotify or look something up, then you can hand them your phone and still feel secure. It would also help in cases of law enforcement forcing somebody to look at their recently detained phone to unlock it, for some apps to then have another level of security.

 

[justperry]

Now it's time for Discord and other messaging apps (does Telegram have it?) to implement this.

But I agree that implementing it system wide on iOS would be a better idea.

However, having the phone locked with Face ID or Touch ID, how can be useful to lock apps individually?

This, I wanted to say the exact same, what's the purpose of this if someone can't even unlock the phone, I see no purpose.

Because if somebody wanted to use your phone to control Spotify or look something up, then you can hand them your phone and still feel secure. It would also help in cases of law enforcement forcing somebody to look at their recently detained phone to unlock it, for some apps to then have another level of security.

Don't give it to friends if you've got something to hide, and why can't you unlock it twice if Law enforcement is legally possible the first time.
Just unnecessary.(IMO)

 

[Vasilioskn]

Doesn’t Facebook own WhatsApp? Pass.

 

[scrapesleon]

Somehow I just don’t trust this haha

 

[justperry]

Somehow I just don’t trust this haha

Erm...why, your face data won't leave your phone.

As for whatsapp owned by Facebook, yup I have my doubts even though they say it's encrypted, they might have the key somewhere.

 

[itsmilo]

This, I wanted to say the exact same, what's the purpose of this if someone can't even unlock the phone, I see no purpose.




Don't give it to friends if you've got something to hide, and why can't you unlock it twice if Law enforcement is legally possible the first time.
Just unnecessary.(IMO)

Clearly you don’t have any naughty pictures on your phone. Nothing worse then showing a picture to someone and they start to swipe left and right out of habit (maybe).

I agree with others, the OS should have a general setting to toggle apps you want locked by default. They did it for notes but not the most obvious app ever: Photos

 

[vooke]

When will we ever get WhatsApp on iPads?