How to lock and unlock WhatsApp chat in iOS and Android

Use the available privacy features for fingerprint, Face ID, or passcode to lock and unlock WhatsApp chats on both, iOS and Android. Here’s how you can do it:

For iOS

• Open WhatsApp.
• Go to Settings → Account → Privacy.
• Scroll down to the 'Screen Lock' section.

Toggle on the switch for ‘Require Face ID’ or use ‘Require Touch ID’ depending on which iPhone you have.

You may also specify the duration after which the lock can be put in place (eg. immediately, 1 minute, etc.).

To unlock:

You will be directed to use Face ID or Touch ID to access your chats upon opening WhatsApp Messenger.

For Android

• Open WhatsApp.
• Open the three dots on the top right menu and select Settings → Account → Privacy.
• Scroll down to Fingerprint Lock and turn it on.

Depending on how long you would want the device to wait before unlocking timing may be set as immediate, 1 minute, etc.

To unlock:

You will have to place your finger where the fingerprint scanner is located when you want to view the WhatsApp chat.

Note

As the name suggests, WhatsApp's lock feature is general to the app, not specific to the individual child of the app. However, individual chats may be archived to reduce their prominence on the home screen.