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

Monday February 4, 2019 12:59 AM PST by Tim Hardwick
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]

Tags: WhatsApp, Face ID
39 comments


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alexe
20 weeks ago
I don‘t understand why Apple won‘t finally allow to password-lock any app (without the Screentime workaround).
Rating: 6 Votes
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macfacts
20 weeks ago

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.
Rating: 4 Votes
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HacKage
20 weeks ago

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.
Rating: 3 Votes
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Vasilioskn
20 weeks ago
Doesn’t Facebook own WhatsApp? Pass.
Rating: 2 Votes
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AnthonyG6
20 weeks ago

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.
Rating: 2 Votes
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BvizioN
20 weeks ago
There are quite a few apps, including photo App that wish did allow this option.
Rating: 1 Votes
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The Game 161
20 weeks ago

I think its stupid as the message are still in full text on your lockcreen. Why not do something right and have them locked (you got a message text nothing more) when WhatsApp is locked. That's how Telegram is doing it.


You can by protecting your lock screen notifications by not being viewable until you use Face ID
Rating: 1 Votes
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HacKage
20 weeks ago

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.
Rating: 1 Votes
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justperry
20 weeks ago

I said it because of this part of your message, but maybe I didn't quite understand it.



The Key to decrypt data, like all things you send, this does not include your fingerprint nor your face data, that is in the secure enclave and is inaccessible for Apps, they just get a "yes or no" for authentication from the secure enclave.
Rating: 1 Votes
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iGeek2014
20 weeks ago
I'm in the U.K and it's available to me.
Rating: 1 Votes
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