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Face unlock support coming soon to WhatsApp on Android

By Sarah Chen
1 min read
whatsapp app
whatsapp app
In this article (5)

WhatsApp already offers users security features that allows the lock of the app using various methods. The easiest form of protection involves the fingerprint sensor, but there’s another one that’s just as easy to use, yet unavailable for WhatsApp users: face unlock.

It looks like WhatsApp is recognizing that there are phones that don’t feature a fingerprint sensor, so owners have to rely on other methods of protecting their WhatsApp conversations. If your phone does feature support for face unlock, you’ll be happy to know that you’ll soon be able to use it with WhatsApp.

A new WhatsApp update has been submitted through the Google Play beta program, which adds two important features. The first one is the ability to join a group call even after you missed the initial invitation.

The second major feature we expect WhatsApp to release soon is face unlock support. A new “Biometric lock” menu has been added in the new beta version of WhatsApp, which will replace the current “Fingerprint lock” menu.

The new panel confirms that WhatsApp will let users authenticate with fingerprint, face, or other unique identifiers to open the app. As the title says, the new security features have been spotted in the Android version of WhatsApp, although there’s no telling when they will be available for everyone.

Questions & Answers

Q.

What is the primary reason WhatsApp is introducing face unlock support?

A.

WhatsApp is introducing face unlock as some phones lack a fingerprint sensor. This new method will provide an alternative way for users to protect their conversations and secure the app on such devices.

Q.

Which operating system version of WhatsApp will receive face unlock support?

A.

The new security features, including face unlock support, have been spotted in the Android version of WhatsApp. This functionality was found in a new WhatsApp update submitted through the Google Play beta program.

Q.

What other significant feature was included in the recent WhatsApp beta update?

A.

Alongside face unlock, the beta update also introduced the ability to join a group call even after a user has missed the initial invitation. This enhances the flexibility of participating in ongoing group conversations.

Q.

What will happen to the existing 'Fingerprint lock' menu once face unlock is implemented?

A.

The current 'Fingerprint lock' menu will be replaced by a new 'Biometric lock' menu. This updated panel will allow users to authenticate with a fingerprint, face, or other unique identifiers to open the app.

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