WhatsApp has recently introduced a new privacy feature called ‘Screen Lock’ which allows users to add an extra layer of security to their chats and media. This feature enables users to lock their WhatsApp app when not in use, preventing unauthorized access to their messages and files.
What does the Screen Lock feature do?
The Screen Lock feature adds a password protection layer to WhatsApp. When enabled, WhatsApp will be locked and require biometric authentication or a custom passcode to gain access to the app and its content. Users can set up the lock to activate immediately when WhatsApp is minimized or after a customized time delay. This gives users more control over securing their chats and media shared on WhatsApp.
Once the Screen Lock is set up, users will need to authenticate using their phone’s biometric sensor (fingerprint or face unlock) or enter their customized passcode to open WhatsApp. The feature works on both Android and iOS devices. On the iPhone, users can enable Touch ID or Face ID as the authentication method.
Why has WhatsApp introduced this feature?
WhatsApp introduced the Screen Lock feature to give users more options to protect their privacy. People often share sensitive and confidential information over WhatsApp, so having the ability to lock the app can give users more peace of mind about their conversations and media being accessed by others if their phone is lost or stolen.
The rise in smartphone usage has also led to people accessing more sensitive information on their mobile devices. Financial information, personal conversations, photos and more are now conveniently available on our phones. The Screen Lock gives users the ability to gate access to their private WhatsApp content with an extra security layer if their phone ends up in the wrong hands.
How does the WhatsApp Screen Lock work?
Enabling the Screen Lock feature on WhatsApp is simple and works as follows:
- Open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Account > Privacy
- Tap on ‘Screen Lock’ and activate the feature
- You will be prompted to set up your authentication method – Passcode or Biometric (Face/Touch ID)
- For Passcode, you’ll need to create a 4-digit PIN which will be required to unlock WhatsApp
- For Biometric, your phone’s existing Face ID/Touch ID/Fingerprint will be used to unlock the app
- You can customize the time delay before the Screen Lock activates after leaving WhatsApp
- Once set up, you will now need to authenticate using your chosen method to access WhatsApp after minimizing the app or when the time-delay ends
The process is very quick and enables an extra security layer over WhatsApp in just a few taps. Users can choose the right settings based on their privacy needs.
What options are available for the Screen Lock?
Users have several customization options when enabling the WhatsApp Screen Lock feature:
- Authentication Method: Passcode or Biometric identification
- Passcode Length: 4-digit or 6-digit passcode
- Time Delay: Immediately, after 1 minute, after 5 minutes, after 15 minutes, after 1 hour
- Biometric Sensor: Face ID, Touch ID, Fingerprint etc. depending on phone
- Notifications Preview: Show or hide content of notifications when locked
Having these settings allows users to tailor the Screen Lock to their specific security needs. For example, those dealing with highly confidential data may want a longer passcode and shorter time delay compared to casual users.
What are the benefits of the WhatsApp Screen Lock feature?
Some key benefits of the Screen Lock feature include:
- Enhanced Privacy – Adds a layer of security for personal and sensitive conversations
- Greater Control – Users can customize authentication settings and access timer
- Prevents Unauthorized Access – Locks app if phone is stolen, lost or accessed by others
- Secure Media – Photos, videos and files shared on WhatsApp are more protected
- Peace of Mind – Important chats and info are not readily visible if phone screen is visible
- Quick to Set Up – Simple process and works across iOS and Android devices
For individuals, small businesses and enterprise users handling confidential data, the Screen Lock delivers added security and convenience with minimal setup required.
How is the WhatsApp Screen Lock different from App Lock apps?
There are various third-party App Lock applications available that can password protect specific apps like WhatsApp on your phone. However, the official Screen Lock feature from WhatsApp offers some key advantages:
- Seamlessly integrated into WhatsApp app
- No need to install additional apps
- Leverages biometric authentication available on smartphones for convenience
- Customized time delay settings before auto app lock
- Option to show/hide notification content on lock screen
- Backed by WhatsApp’s security and encryption protocols
While third-party solutions work, having the feature built into WhatsApp delivers a more intuitive user experience. Users don’t have to rely on another app for security and take advantage of native device authentication like Fingerprint unlock for convenience.
Is the WhatsApp Screen Lock the same as Authentication?
The Screen Lock feature is different from WhatsApp’s existing Two-Step Verification security option under Authentication. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Screen Lock | Two-Step Verification |
|---|---|
| Locks access to the WhatsApp app interface and content on your phone | Adds second layer of verification when registering phone number with WhatsApp |
| Can use passcode or biometric to unlock app after minimizing it | Sends a 6-digit code via SMS to confirm phone number during WhatsApp registration |
| Enables auto-lock after customized time delay | One-time registration process, not required daily |
In essence, the Screen Lock feature secures the WhatsApp app itself by locking it when not in use. Two-step verification protects your WhatsApp account when you register your phone number.
Is the WhatsApp Screen Lock available on iOS and Android?
Yes, the Screen Lock feature is available on WhatsApp for both iOS and Android platforms. It works across iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tablets running recent OS versions.
To use it on Android, you need WhatsApp version 2.22.24.80 or newer installed. For iOS, version 22.24.75 or above is required. Instructions to enable it are similar across both platforms.
On iPhone, users can leverage Touch ID or Face ID for biometric authentication if enabled. For Android devices having a fingerprint sensor, fingerprint unlock can be used when setting up the Screen Lock.
Can I still receive calls and notifications when Screen Lock is active?
Yes, you can still receive WhatsApp calls and notifications normally even when the Screen Lock is enabled and active. This prevents you from missing important messages and calls.
For notifications, you have the option to show message previews and content on the lock screen or just display a generic WhatsApp notification when the app is locked. If security is a priority, you can disable previews.
When receiving a WhatsApp call, you will have the option on the incoming call screen to answer the call immediately without needing to unlock the app first. This allows you to conveniently take important calls while still keeping the app contents secured.
Can I still use WhatsApp Web with the Screen Lock enabled?
Yes, using WhatsApp Web works normally even with the Screen Lock feature enabled on your phone’s WhatsApp app. The Web companion only mirrors your phone’s WhatsApp screen and doesn’t store any local data.
Your Web session will continue to work until you manually log out or your phone’s WhatsApp connects from a different device. This functionality is not affected by the Screen Lock status.
However, if you want to use WhatsApp Web on a shared or public computer, it’s recommended to log out of your session after use and clear browser history. Enabling 2-step verification provides added security for Web logins.
Can I disable the WhatsApp Screen Lock if I don’t want it?
Yes, the WhatsApp Screen Lock feature is completely optional. If you enabled it but don’t want to continue using it, you can disable or uninstall it easily.
On both iOS and Android devices, simply go back to WhatsApp Settings > Account > Privacy > Screen Lock. Then toggle off the switch next to ‘Require Screen Lock’ and confirm disabling it when prompted.
Your WhatsApp app will no longer be locked going forward. You can also reset your Lock screen passcode or authentication method from here if needed.
As the Screen Lock provides an extra security layer over WhatsApp, it’s recommended not to disable it unless you have a specific reason to do so.
Does WhatsApp recommend using the Screen Lock feature?
WhatsApp recommends users take advantage of the Screen Lock feature as it adds extra privacy protection to their chats and media shared on the platform. WhatsApp cares deeply about privacy of user data.
In their own words on the WhatsApp FAQ page:
“We recommend using the extra protection provided by Screen Lock to help keep your WhatsApp messages private. Activating Screen Lock helps prevent unauthorized access to WhatsApp if your phone is ever lost, stolen, or when loaning your phone to others.”
However, it is ultimately the user’s choice based on their specific privacy needs and personal preference. The feature is optional but highly recommended by WhatsApp.
Is the WhatsApp Screen Lock available for WhatsApp Business accounts?
Yes, the Screen Lock feature is available for both standard WhatsApp accounts as well as WhatsApp Business accounts. Business users can enable it in the same way under Account > Privacy settings.
This allows small businesses, entrepreneurs, retailers and others using WhatsApp Business to add an extra security layer to their business conversations and interactions on the platform. Sensitive customer data can be better protected in case the device is compromised.
For larger enterprises using WhatsApp Business API or WhatsApp Enterprise solution, customized security policies and tools may be applicable. But for standard WhatsApp Business accounts, individuals and smaller teams can benefit from activating the Screen Lock.
Conclusion
The WhatsApp Screen Lock delivers important privacy enhancement that secures the app itself in addition to messages and data. It prevents unauthorized access to your WhatsApp account by adding a simple but effective security requirement.
By spending a minute setting up the feature and customizing it to your needs, you can have peace of mind that your private conversations will stay that way. For businesses and power users, it’s highly recommended to take advantage of this built-in security capability on WhatsApp.