Hello All 🙂

Remember last year when we talked about the prospective screen lock feature for the WhatsApp Desktop beta? It’s designed to shield your WhatsApp from prying eyes by requiring a password for access. Well, it’s moved beyond the development stage and into reality!

WhatsApp is now releasing this feature to some beta testers that are using the latest version of WhatsApp Web and are enrolled in the official beta program!

Here’s how it works: after enabling this feature, when you launch WhatsApp Web, you’ll be greeted by a lock screen that will only grant access when the correct password is entered.

Want to check if you have access to this feature? Simply navigate to your WhatsApp Settings > Privacy. If it’s available for your account, you’ll find a ‘Screen Lock’ entry point there. Once enabled, you’ll need to enter your chosen password to unlock WhatsApp Web. You’ll also have options to configure when the app should prompt you for the password. Forget your password? No worries—just log out of WhatsApp Web and re-authenticate by scanning the QR code.

Why It’s a Win for Privacy: Enabling this feature is like having a personal security guard for your messages. If someone gains access to your computer when you’re not around, they won’t be able to view your WhatsApp messages without that password. Plus, your push notifications stay hidden when the screen is locked. We believe this is a major leap towards ensuring your private conversations stay just that—private.

Ready to jump into this? Here’s the step-by-step to join WhatsApp’s Beta Testing Group:

  1. Visit the Google Play Store on your Android device
  2. Search for ‘WhatsApp’
  3. Scroll down until you find the ‘Become a beta tester’ section
  4. Tap on ‘Join Now’
  5. Wait for the update to install – this will now be the beta version of the app

Note: As of now, this screen lock feature is rolling out for users of WhatsApp Web version 2.2333.11 beta and will be reaching more people in the coming weeks.

Common Questions & Answers:

  • Name of the feature? Screen lock
  • Status? Rolling out
  • Compatibility? WhatsApp Web 2.2333.11 beta
  • Installed the update but don’t see the feature? Patience, my friend. This feature is currently available to some beta testers and is gradually being extended to more users.

Stay updated on all things WhatsApp by keeping an eye on WABetaInfo’s Twitter feed, where they regularly share news about new features for WhatsApp beta for Android, iOS, Web/Desktop, and Windows.

Keep your conversations under lock and key! Stay private, stay safe.

Max Roberts
Incognito Privacy Care Team