WhatsApp has a plan to tighten account security – here's what you should know

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While WhatsApp is most commonly used on mobile devices, there are also desktop apps available, as well as a web app. However, because the messaging service is (for now, at least) tied to your phone number, you still need to have your handset nearby for authentication before you can log in on a PC or laptop.

The current method of authentication involves using your phone's camera to scan an on-screen QR code to gain access to your account. That can be fiddly or irritating, and leaves your account vulnerable if your phone is stolen, but it could be about to change.

Although the current method of logging into the web and desktop apps via a QR code isn't exactly cumbersome, it does mean that you need to take your hands off the mouse and keyboard, pick up your phone, and then line up the code with your camera lens.

In the latest beta version of the WhatsApp app for Android, however, WABetaInfo has spotted references that show the ability to log in using your fingerprint might not be far away.

Touch and go

This new way of logging into WhatsApp's web and desktop apps has some important advantages. Firstly, it's much more secure, and eliminates the risk of someone finding your phone and logging into your account. Secondly, it's a lot faster because simply touching your phone is a great deal quicker and more convenient that having to pick it up and its camera.

It is hard to say quite when (or indeed if) this feature will roll out to all WhatsApp users, but we'll keep you updated as soon as we know more.

Take a look at our guide to using dark mode in WhatsApp

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Sofia is a tech journalist who's been writing about software, hardware and the web for nearly 25 years – but still looks as youthful as ever! After years writing for magazines, her life moved online and remains fueled by technology, music and nature.

Having written for websites and magazines since 2000, producing a wide range of reviews, guides, tutorials, brochures, newsletters and more, she continues to write for diverse audiences, from computing newbies to advanced users and business clients. Always willing to try something new, she loves sharing new discoveries with others.

Sofia lives and breathes Windows, Android, iOS, macOS and just about anything with a power button, but her particular areas of interest include security, tweaking and privacy. Her other loves include walking, music, her two Malamutes and, of course, her wife and daughter.

You can find her on Twitter and Mastodon.