Locking WhatsApp with a fingerprint or Face ID adds an extra layer of security. To enable this feature, open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Account > Privacy.
Scroll down and select “Fingerprint lock” or “Screen lock,” depending on your device. For Android users, enable “Unlock with fingerprint” and follow the on-screen instructions to register your fingerprint.
For iOS users, select “Require Face ID” or “Require Touch ID” and set the timing for the lock (immediate, after 1 minute, or after 15 minutes). This feature ensures that only you can access your chats, even if someone else gains access to your phone.
How to hide your profile photo and status from specific contacts?
You can control who sees your profile photo and status updates by adjusting privacy settings. Open WhatsApp, and go to Settings > Account > Privacy. Select “Profile Photo” and “Status” to access options: “Everyone,” “My Contacts,” “My Contacts Except…,” or “Nobody.”
Choosing “My Contacts Except…” allows you to select specific contacts who won’t see your profile photo or status updates, which is especially helpful if you want privacy from certain people while maintaining visibility for others.
After selecting “My Contacts Except…,” choose contacts to exclude and save. This setting can be updated anytime, letting you adjust access to your details as needed.
How to turn off read receipts (blue ticks) for messages?
Disabling read receipts in WhatsApp keeps others from seeing if you’ve read their messages. Go to WhatsApp Settings > Account > Privacy, then turn off “Read Receipts.”
Note that when you disable this, you also won’t see read receipts for others, and it doesn’t affect group chats. This feature is ideal for users who prefer more privacy and want to read messages discreetly without notifying the sender.
How to enable “Disappearing Messages” on WhatsApp?
Disappearing Messages is a feature that automatically deletes messages after a specified time. To enable this, open a chat, tap the contact or group name, and select “Disappearing Messages.” Choose the time duration (24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days) for messages to remain visible.
Once enabled, new messages in the chat will disappear after the chosen duration. This feature is useful for conversations involving sensitive information that you don’t want to remain permanently stored. Note that either party in a one-on-one chat can enable or disable this feature, while only group admins can control it in groups.
FAQ’S
What is the “View Once” feature, and how to use it for photos or videos?
The “View Once” feature allows a photo or video to be viewed only once by the recipient. When sending media, tap the “1” icon in the caption field to enable this. The media will disappear after it’s viewed.
How to prevent others from adding you to unwanted WhatsApp groups?
Control who can add you to groups by going to WhatsApp Settings > Account > Privacy > Groups. You can select “Everyone,” “My Contacts,” or “My Contacts Except” to prevent unwanted group additions.
What are the Steps to block or report a user on WhatsApp?
To block or report a user, open their chat, tap their name, scroll down, and select “Block” or “Report.” This action stops them from messaging or calling you and alerts WhatsApp about inappropriate behavior if you choose “Report.”
How to stop downloaded media from appearing in your phone’s gallery?
To prevent WhatsApp media from showing in your gallery, go to WhatsApp Settings > Chats and disable “Media visibility” on Android, or “Save to Camera Roll” on iOS. This setting keeps shared media within WhatsApp only.
