Open WhatsApp and tap ⋮ > Settings > Privacy > App lock, then turn on Unlock with biometric. WhatsApp will open only with your fingerprint or face, or your phone's PIN if they fail. To hide single chats, tap and hold a chat and choose Lock chat. WhatsApp has no PIN of its own, so a separate PIN or pattern needs an app lock.
Lock the whole app with your fingerprint
WhatsApp's own App lock asks for your fingerprint or face every time WhatsApp opens. It uses the biometrics already set up in your phone's settings, so set those up first if you haven't.
If your fingerprint or face isn't recognised, your phone's PIN opens WhatsApp instead, and calls still ring through while it's locked. WhatsApp says the lock needs a fingerprint sensor and Android 6.0 or later, and doesn't work on the Galaxy S5, Note 4 or Note 8.
- 01Open WhatsApp and tap ⋮ > Settings > Privacy > App lock.
- 02Turn on Unlock with biometric and confirm with your fingerprint or face.
- 03Choose how long WhatsApp waits before it asks again.
- 04Decide whether new message notifications show their text, with Show content in notifications.
Lock single chats instead
Chat Lock moves the chats you choose, groups included, into a Locked chats folder that opens with your fingerprint, face or a secret code. Their notifications only say “1 new message”, so nobody sees who wrote or what.
Forget the secret code and the locked chats are cleared, so pick one you'll remember.
- 01Tap and hold the chat in your chat list.
- 02Tap ⋮ > Lock chat and confirm with your fingerprint or face.
- 03To hide the folder itself, open Locked chats, tap ⋮ > Chat lock settings and set a secret code.
Two-step verification is not a lock
Many guides call two-step verification “the WhatsApp password”. It's an extra PIN or password WhatsApp asks for when your number is registered on a phone, so a stolen SIM or a texted code isn't enough to take over your account.
It asks nothing of someone who picks up your unlocked phone. Turn it on in Settings > Account > Two-step verification anyway, but use App lock or Chat Lock for the phone in your hand.
Two-step verification protects your account. App lock protects the app on your phone.
When you want a PIN or pattern just for WhatsApp
WhatsApp's lock falls back to your phone's PIN, so anyone who knows that PIN, a partner or a child who unlocks your phone every day, can open WhatsApp too. A separate PIN or pattern takes an app lock. Xiaomi, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme and Vivo phones have one in Settings; on other phones, or for the same lock on every brand, use an app.
AppLock Master puts a PIN, pattern or fingerprint on WhatsApp and any other app you pick, the gallery and Instagram included. After repeated wrong tries it takes a photo with the front camera, and it can hide message previews from the lock screen. It's free, with ads.
- 01Install AppLock Master and allow the two permissions it asks for: Usage access, so it sees which app is opening, and Display over other apps, so it can show the lock screen.
- 02Tick WhatsApp in the list of apps, and anything else you want locked.
- 03Choose a PIN, a pattern or your fingerprint. A security question gets you back in if you forget it.
More detail: See who tried to open your apps →
Which lock should you use?
Only WhatsApp, and nobody else knows your phone's PIN: WhatsApp's App lock is enough, and it's built in.
A few chats you want out of sight: Chat Lock, with a secret code.
Someone else knows your phone's PIN, or you want one lock on WhatsApp, the gallery and other apps: an app lock such as AppLock Master.