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WhatsApp testing fingerprint authentication on Android phones
June 19, 2025
WhatsAppdoesn’t require a password or PIN in order to be opened, which means anyone can access your account if your phone is unlocked. Fortunately, the Facebook-owned company is reportedly working on a solution to the problem.
According to reliable websiteWABetaInfo, WhatsApp is testing fingerprint authentication on the Android version of the app. Once enabled, you’ll need a fingerprint to open the app from the app icon, notification shade, or “external pickers.”
Additionally, a screenshot of the functionality shows that you can use your device credentials (presumably your PIN code) instead of a fingerprint if you’d like. This could prove handy if your fingerprint scanner is finicky or broken.
It’s worth noting that fingerprint authentication in WhatsApp seems to be a blanket option. So you may’t hide specific conversations and contacts behind a biometric wall.
WABetaInfoadds that the feature will be available to all fingerprint-toting Android devices running Marshmallow or later. The outlet notes that the functionality is still at the alpha stage of development, suggesting it’ll be months before it actually launches.
If you’re able to’t wait until then, you might be glad to know that several smartphone brands already allow you to hide an app behind a fingerprint. So if you’ve got a recentOnePlus,Samsung, orXiaomiphone, you can already put your apps on lockdown.
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