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WhatsApp for iPhone recently received an important update that allows users to lock the app by deploying the native Face ID or Touch ID.
TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports the latest update brings the much anticipated biometric authentication through build version 2.19.20.
The update essentially applies biometric authentication to open WhatsApp.
However, the feature does not add the additional security to individual WhatsApp conversations.
With the new update, WhatsApp users can lock the app with Face ID or Touch ID by going to Settings > Account > Privacy > Screen Lock.
Once on the Screen Lock screen, the app shows the available authentication method – either Face ID or Touch ID – that you can enable to lock WhatsApp.
Users can also choose whether to use the biometric authentication requirement immediately or after an interval of a minute, 15 minutes, or an hour.
However, WhatsApp still allows users to reply to messages from notifications and answer calls, without requiring biometric authentication.
Also, once unlocked after successfully detecting the correct biometrics – either through Face ID or Touch ID feature – the instant messaging app opens access to all your messages.
This means the latest development doesn’t lock your WhatsApp chats on an individual basis.
To experience the new change, you need to download the latest WhatsApp version from the App Store.
The app is 137.7MB in size and is compatible with iPhone models running iOS 8.0 and above.
WhatsApp for Android is also in the rumours to bring a similar form of authentication layer in the coming future.
The use of biometrics to unlock could help WhatsApp officially launch its payments feature.