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WhatsApp update lets you lock it with Face ID or Touch ID

It's working on "a similar feature" for the Android app.

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Face ID or Touch ID have a new purpose: keeping others out of WhatsApp.

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WhatsApp for iOS added over the weekend the ability to lock and hide your chats instantly with your face or fingerprint.

The Facebook-owned messaging app now lets you add a layer of biometric security using Apple's Face ID (if you have any iPhone X model) or Touch ID, which was introduced with 2013.

You can activate them by going into Settings, Account, Privacy and toggling the options found in Screen Lock.

Watch this: iPhone Face ID myths, tricks and why it doesn't always work

They can be used to lock the app itself, not individual conversations. Your WhatsApp notifications are still visible, and you can do quick replies within iOS without authentication.

WhatsApp is "also working to bring a similar feature to the Android app," it confirmed by email.

Last month, Facebook said it plans to merge its various messaging services -- Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram messaging -- so users of one platform can seamlessly contact those on the others, while keeping the apps separate.

First published Feb. 4 at 6:37 a.m. PT.
Updated Feb. 5 at 1:27 a.m. PT: Adds confirmation that an Android version is coming.