WhatsApp tests screen lock feature with Desktop beta users – Times of India

WhatsApp is a popular messaging platform that can be accessed on different devices including — Android, IOS and desktops. The Meta-owned instant messaging service keeps on adding new features for its client on different devices to improve the user experience. Recently, the company reportedly added an update to the WhatsApp Desktop beta app. This feature allowed beta testers to forward media with a caption on their desktops. Now, the company is reportedly testing a new security feature for WhatsApp’s desktop client. This feature will enable WhatsApp desktop beta users to protect the app by setting up a password.
WhatsApp desktop beta screen lock feature
According to a report by WABetaInfo, the new screen lock feature on WhatsApp’s desktop beta client is still under development and currently can only be accessible by the beta testers. This feature is expected to become available for all users with an update in the upcoming days.
WhatsApp screen lock feature on desktop
The screen lock feature for WhatsApp is available for Android and iPhone users. This feature offers another security measure for users and protects the app from unauthorised access when they are not using the device.

However, this feature has been missing from the web/desktop client of WhatsApp. Now, the company is finally working on the screen lock option for its desktop client in the beta channel.
How will it work
The report has shared a screenshot to explain how this feature will work on desktops and PCs. As per the screenshot, the screen lock feature will ask users to enter a password every time they try to open the application.
This option can be important for users who has to share their PC with other people including family, friends and colleague. It is also important to note that this feature can be enabled or disabled depending on the user’s discretion. Users can opt to enable this feature when they have to share their systems while they can set it off when they are the only ones using the PC.

These passwords will be stored locally and won’t be shared with WhatsApp. In a situation when the user forgets their password(s), they have to log out of the app and log into WhatsApp Desktop again by linking their device with the QR code.
WhatsApp may also add a security feature for Mac users which will allow them to lock the app by using Touch ID when a fingerprint sensor becomes available.