In a bid to ensure better privacy for desktop users, WhatsApp may soon roll out the ability to turn on the screen lock feature for WhatsApp Web client. According to WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is testing a new feature that will let users protect the desktop app by setting up a password.
To recall, Meta-owned WhatsApp released a screen lock feature on WhatsApp beta for Android and iOS three years ago. This feature essentially lets users on iOS and Android devices have an additional layer of security for WhatsApp and can protect access to the app from unauthorised access when they don’t use their device.
However, the lock screen feature is not yet available for the web or desktop client so far. The world’s most popular messaging platform is developing a solution by bringing the screen lock option to a future update of WhatsApp Desktop beta.
“As you can see in this screenshot (below), a password is required every time the user opens the application and it is useful when you share your PC with other people. Note that enabling this feature is optional and probably, the user will have more control over it by choosing when the app should require the password,” WABetaInfo wrote on its page.
“In addition, the password won’t be shared with WhatsApp: it is always saved locally. In case you lose the password, you need to log out of the app and log into WhatsApp Desktop again by linking your device with the QR code,” WABetaInfo added.
Meanwhile, WhatsApp is also working to introduce a helpful feature that will let users know when they miss a call when Do Not Disturb (DND) mode is turned on. According to WABetaInfo, the feature, available for WhatsApp Android beta testers, will also let them know the time of the missed call. WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.22.21.7 mentions the new feature under development, “the ability to use the Do Not Disturb API”.