While you can secure WhatsApp on your phone with biometric authentication and a PIN, the ability to lock WhatsApp Web when you’re not at your computer has been lacking. However, WhatsApp has introduced a beta feature that addresses this gap, enabling users to lock WhatsApp Web for enhanced security.
The “Screen Lock” feature allowed the app to safeguard against unauthorised access by requiring a password. WhatsApp is currently rolling out this feature to select beta testers who are using the latest version of WhatsApp Web, according to WABetaInfo.
To check if this feature is activated for your WhatsApp account, simply go to WhatsApp Settings > Privacy. If the feature is accessible for your account, you will find an entry point for screen lock here.
Once activated, a password will be necessary to unlock WhatsApp Web. Within this screen, you can also customise the feature settings, including when the password prompt should appear.
Should you forget the password, you’ll need to log out of WhatsApp Web and then log in again by scanning the QR code.
Enabling this functionality guarantees that even if someone gains entry to your computer while you’re absent, they won’t be able to read your WhatsApp conversations and messages without inputting the password. Moreover, push notifications won’t be visible when the screen is locked.
WABetaInfo says the screen lock feature is accessible to certain users using the latest version of WhatsApp Web beta, and its availability will expand to a larger user base in the upcoming weeks.
