WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.6.20: what's new?
WhatsApp is rolling out a new update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.24.6.20.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out an improved app lock feature, and it's available to some beta testers!
| Common questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature? | App lock |
| Status? | Rolling out |
| Compatibility? | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.6.20 is marked as a compatible update, but a limited group of beta testers may be able to experiment with the same feature by installing newer updates than the 2.24.4.5 beta version. |
| I've installed this update but I don't have this feature. Why? | This feature is available to some beta testers, and it is rolling out to more users over the coming days. |
| Thanks: | FastenM, Sc, Technical MJ TV, Nhyphk, and Muhammad Hammad, for testing and reporting. |
| Previous news? | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.6.19: what’s new? WhatsApp is working on a feature to mention contacts in status updates! |
APP LOCK
After introducing a fix to the issue that prevented users from accessing the app when protected by fingerprint lock, WhatsApp is now currently testing an expanded option for this feature. As technology continues to evolve, the importance of safeguarding personal data with additional methods becomes increasingly apparent. Thanks to the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.6.20 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out an improved app lock feature!
As you can see in this screenshot, WhatsApp is currently releasing an option to allow some beta testers to unlock the app using different authentication methods. When this option is enabled, it will be needed to use fingerprint, face, or other unique identifiers (for example, the device passcode) to open WhatsApp. Previously, this option was only available with biometric authentication, limiting users who preferred alternative methods or whose devices lacked biometric sensors. By expanding the authentication options to include other unique identifiers like the device passcode, WhatsApp is catering to a broader spectrum of users with varying device capabilities and personal preferences.
In our opinion, introducing this additional layer of security is an important step forward in enhancing user privacy and safeguarding personal data. By offering multiple authentication methods, WhatsApp not only provides greater flexibility for users but also reinforces the integrity of their accounts against unauthorized access. In addition, we believe that this feature may be particularly beneficial for users experiencing broken or temporarily malfunctioning biometric sensors on their devices. With the option to use alternative authentication methods like a device passcode, WhatsApp ensures that users facing such issues can still access their accounts securely.
It is very important to mention that some users may encounter a crash upon launching the app, as reported on our profile on X. We advise against installing this version as we cannot ensure its functionality for all users. Instead, we recommend users wait for the upcoming update, which may potentially address this issue.
The improved app lock feature is available to some beta testers that install the latest updates of WhatsApp beta for Android from the Google Play Store, and it is rolling out to even more people over the coming days.
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