iPhone users have had access to biometric unlock on their devices since the start of the year.
The feature, which makes it easy to secure one’s information on the application relied upon regularly by over 1.5 billion users around the world for their messaging needs, is finally available for users on Android.
WhatsApp started testing the feature publicly 2 months ago and it has been available on beta versions of the app ever since.
Now, though, every WhatsApp user is gaining access to the feature.
The procedure to access and activate it remains the same as we have previously outlined: Settings > Account > Privacy > Fingerprint lock then turn on ‘Unlock with fingerprint’, confirm your fingerprint and you’re good to go.
A nice touch to the process is that while at it, one is also given an option to stop chat contents from showing up in the notification pop-ups and, subsequently, the notification dropdown or even the lock screen, for those that allow detailed notifications on their lock screens.
Rival messaging app Telegram has had the feature ever since Android integrated native support for the fingerprint sensor with the Marshmallow update some 4 years ago.
The feature update release is being released in phases and may not be immediately available in certain regions but be sure that it is on its way to your device. You just need to keep tabs on the update notification from the Play Store if you don’t have automatic updates turned on (not always a good idea though it comes highly recommended for your own safety and security).
