WhatsApp just rolled out it’s another new update, allowing users to log in using fingerprints and face identification feature.
WhatsApp, The Facebook-owned most popular messaging platform with more than 2 billion users worldwide, has been getting a lot of criticism in past few weeks after announcing and then delaying changes to how it uses users’ data. It’s adding a new biometric feature to the service for web and desktops users to bring a new authentication layer.
The giant messaging app took to twitter and other social media platforms to make the announcement. “Today we’re starting to roll out a new security feature for WhatsApp Web and Desktop: face and fingerprint unlock when linking devices. WhatsApp does not see your face or fingerprint data. Chats for your eyes only.” They tweeted.
Also Read: WhatsApp Trick: Spy on others’ status without letting them know
The new feature is for WhatsApp web and desktop users. Through this feature, those who use computers to send and receive messages, will have to use their face or finger to unlock it. The change is considered to make the web and desktop versions as secure as their Application.
Those users who don’t have biometric authentication installed or for any reason have not enabled it on their devices, will continue to log in to their WhatsApp account using desktop as usual. This new feature will soon be available for the users in the coming weeks.
How to log in and log out
WhatsApp has provided clear guidelines for your users to how to log in and log out using the new feature.
To Log in
To log in to WhatsApp web, desktop or portal you have to scan the QR code through your phone.
For Android: Tap more options.
For IPhone: Go to WhatsApp settings.
- Now tap WhatsApp web/Desktop.
For Android: Tap link a device. Follow the display directions if your device has biometric authentication.
For IPhone: Tap link a device > ok. On IOOS 14 and above use Touch ID and Face ID to unlock.
- Select the checkbox next to the keep me signed in one the QR screen on your computer/portal to stay logged in on this device.
- Now use your phone to scan the QR code on your computer/portal.
- If prompted, tap or select done.
Note: The biometric authentication is handled by the device operating system. Biometric information stored by your device operating system cannot be access by WhatsApp as it’s stored in your phone and not in WhatsApp data.
Also Read: WhatsApp is in a Final Stage of Testing for the Multiple Devices Feature: Reports
To Log Out
To log out in to WhatsApp web, desktop or portal from your phone.
Click menu (or) above your chat list > log out.
Log Out from the Phone
Open WhatsApp on your phone.
For Android: Tap more options > WhatsApp web.
For IPhone: Go to WhatsApp settings > tap WhatsApp web/desktop
- Tap a device.
- Log out.
Also Read: Facebook messenger starts taking over Instagram messages in new update