WhatsApp is rolling out the fingerprint lock option for extra security on Android phones with the latest update.

Similar to the Touch ID for iOS users, Whatsapp has launched an updated version for Android users who can now choose to lock/unlock the application using their fingerprints. This update also allows users to customise the time for the application to lock whether immediate or after 30 minutes. 

Users will also be able to choose whether the messages should be visible as notifications. The update is not applicable to Whatsapp calls, which means users can still answer Whatsapp calls even if the phone is locked. 

To turn on WhatsApp Fingerprint Lock for Android, users will have to visit Settings > Account > Privacy > Fingerprint lock. Once they enable the Unlock with Fingerprint option, they will have to confirm their fingerprint. The feature should start rolling out soon for Android users across the globe.

When application is turned off, the preview message will only state how many incoming messages are coming in from different chats. Users cannot reply from outside the app. 

The extra layer of privacy only affects the app on mobile devices. Users will still be able to use the browser-based WhatsApp Web without any restrictions.