You can now ditch the fingerprint gymnastics to access your WhatsApp messages. That’s right, WhatsApp finally supports the Pixel 8’s fancy face unlock feature for its “App lock” function.
Previously, you were stuck using your fingerprint or PIN to unlock WhatsApp after enabling the app’s security feature. But with this update, things are getting a whole lot smoother (and maybe a little less smudgy). As someone who prefers face unlock over the fingerprint unlock, I’m sure there are others like me who’ve been waiting for WhatsApp to let them unlock the app with face unlock on the Pixel 8 series.
Here’s the deal: when you launch WhatsApp, you’ll see the familiar face unlock prompt appear at the bottom of your screen, along with a friendly ring around your front-facing camera to guide you. No need to worry if your phone isn’t perfectly angled – if it doesn’t recognize your beautiful face within a few seconds, it’ll politely switch back to the fingerprint sensor. Alternatively, you can also choose to enter the PIN.
This update also brings some cosmetic improvements to the “WhatsApp Locked” screen. But hey, let’s be honest, the real star here is the convenience factor. Now you can unlock your chats with the same ease you unlock your phone itself – thanks to the Pixel 8’s secure, Class 3 face unlock system powered by Google’s magical Tensor G3 chip and its fancy machine learning algorithms.
The update seems to be rolling out with WhatsApp version 2.24.8.85, but there’s also some server-side magic at play. Nevertheless, just install the latest WhatsApp update available for your device and test it out.
Dwayne Cubbins
1074 Posts
My fascination with Android phones began the moment I got my hands on one. Since then, I've been on a journey to decode the ever-evolving tech landscape, fueled by a passion for both the "how" and the "why." Since 2018, I've been crafting content that empowers users and demystifies the tech world. From in-depth how-to guides that unlock your phone's potential to breaking news based on original research, I strive to make tech accessible and engaging.