WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps worldwide, with over 2 billion users. It offers end-to-end encryption to protect user privacy and security. One of the security features is the ability to lock WhatsApp with a PIN, password, fingerprint, or face ID. This prevents unauthorized access to the app and user’s messages if the phone is lost or stolen. There are several reasons why users may see a lock on their WhatsApp app.
You Enabled WhatsApp Lock
The most likely reason for seeing a lock on WhatsApp is because you manually enabled the locking feature in the app settings. Here are the steps to enable WhatsApp lock on Android and iOS devices:
Android Devices
- Open WhatsApp and tap on the three-dot menu in the top right corner.
- Go to Settings > Account > Privacy.
- Toggle on ‘Screen lock’ and select the desired lock method – PIN, password, fingerprint or face unlock.
iOS Devices
- Open WhatsApp and go to Settings.
- Tap on Account > Privacy.
- Toggle on ‘Screen Lock’ and select the desired lock method – Touch ID, Face ID or passcode.
If you manually turned on the screen lock feature for WhatsApp, this explains the presence of a lock icon. You can disable it by toggling off the ‘Screen Lock’ option in WhatsApp settings.
New Device Registration
When you register WhatsApp on a new device, by default it enables the screen lock feature. This is done to add an extra layer of security when using WhatsApp on a new device for the first time.
The lock icon indicates that your WhatsApp is linked to a new device and the locking feature has been automatically turned on. You can choose to disable it once WhatsApp registration on the new device is complete.
Remote Lock Enabled
WhatsApp also gives you the option to remotely lock the app through the linked email address. If you ever lose your phone, you can log in to WhatsApp on the web or desktop version. Then under WhatsApp Web settings, you can remotely enable screen lock on the phone’s WhatsApp app.
This will activate the screen lock on your phone’s WhatsApp without having physical access to the device. The lock icon indicates that remote screen lock has been enabled on the app via the linked email address.
Fingerprint Unlock Failure
If your WhatsApp lock method is configured as fingerprint unlock, failure to recognize the fingerprint 5 times in a row will automatically lock the app. This triggers the lock icon to appear.
You will need to use your backup PIN/password to unlock WhatsApp until fingerprint recognition starts working again. Multiple fingerprint unlock failures can happen due to various reasons:
- Fingerprint sensor issue due to hardware damage or device malfunction.
- Unregistered or new fingerprint that is not recognized.
- Fingerprint code mismatch between WhatsApp and device OS.
- Dirty or wet fingers that leave unclear fingerprints.
App Update Bug
In some rare cases, a WhatsApp bug or glitch after an app update may also cause the screen lock icon to appear. The app thinks the lock feature is enabled due to the bug, even if you have not manually turned it on.
Updating to the latest WhatsApp version usually fixes such issues. If not, you can try uninstalling WhatsApp updates, clearing cache and data before reinstalling the app to remove any corrupted files.
Jailbroken Device
If your device is jailbroken or has unauthorized modifications, WhatsApp automatically activates the screen lock feature and shows the locked icon. This is because jailbreaking increases security risks to apps and data on the device.
The only way to remove the lock is by uninstalling any jailbreaks and resetting the device back to normal. WhatsApp recognizes when the unauthorized changes are reversed and removes the forced security lock.
Locked by Employer or Parental Control App
If your phone is managed through a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution or parental control app, the administrator may remotely activate WhatsApp lock. This applies for company-owned phones or parentally monitored devices of children.
The locked icon appears due to enforced restrictions profile pushed by the device administrator. You will need to contact the managing IT team or parent to disable WhatsApp lock in such cases.
Wrong Date or Time on Device
WhatsApp relies on the device date and time settings to function correctly. If the date or time configured on your phone is wrong, it can sometimes trigger WhatsApp to force activate the screen lock security feature.
Setting the correct date and time as per your timezone will resolve this issue and remove the lock icon.
How to Unlock WhatsApp
Based on the probable reasons covered above, here are the common ways to unlock WhatsApp if you see a lock icon:
- Enter your configured PIN or password.
- Use your fingerprint if enabled as the lock method.
- Face unlock on phones that support it.
- Disable screen lock in WhatsApp Settings.
- Update to the latest WhatsApp version.
- Reinstall WhatsApp after clearing data and caches.
- Remove device jailbreak and reset to factory settings.
- Contact IT admin or parents to remove device restrictions.
- Correct date and time on your phone.
Prevent WhatsApp from Locking Automatically
You can take certain measures to prevent WhatsApp from automatically locking without your knowledge:
- Turn off WhatsApp screen lock in Settings.
- Be cautious when jailbreaking devices.
- Do not enable remote lock unless urgently needed.
- Add multiple registered fingerprints if using fingerprint unlock.
- Keep WhatsApp and device OS updated.
- Grant app exemption from battery optimizations.
- Ensure correct date and time on device.
Conclusion
A locked WhatsApp icon indicates that access to the app is secured by a PIN, password, fingerprint, face recognition or device administrator rights. The most common reasons for WhatsApp lock are manually enabling the screen lock feature, registering the app on a new device, remote activation, fingerprint failure, app bugs, jailbreaking or enforced mobile device management policies.
Based on the specific reason, you can unlock WhatsApp by entering credentials, disabling lock in Settings, updating the app, removing jailbreak or seeking the management team’s assistance. Setting correct date and time, avoiding remote lock and keeping app updated are some ways to prevent unexpected locking of the app.