The web browser version of WhatsApp Web is a great way to conveniently manage your conversations from your computer. But sometimes we risk forgetting an open session. Fortunately, the developers added the option to create a password for your WhatsApp Web conversations for added privacy.
By activating this extra feature, access to your chats is restricted to a password . This is the best way to prevent prying eyes from accessing your chats and your WhatsApp Web session when you leave it open on another computer. We'll tell you how to configure this new password step by step, along with other security and privacy benefits.
How the conversation password works on WhatsApp Web
The extra security system with a password for WhatsApp Web conversations activates automatically after a few minutes of inactivity. It works by locking the main screen and requiring a specific password to re-enable the session. This way, you can leave your session open on an office or school computer without worrying about your chats being spied on.
Creating a session key is very simple. Just access the service settings by pressing the three-dot button and selecting Settings. Then, select the Privacy section, which has a padlock icon, and look for the Screen Lock option.
Confirm activation of this lock and set a password. It must be at least 6 characters and you can use letters, numbers or common punctuation marks. Once you type the password twice, click OK to activate the security measure.
By returning to the Screen Lock menu , you can disable the feature or configure the lock timeout. This is the amount of time it takes for WhatsApp Web to lock and prompt you for your password. There must be no activity in the session for the screen to lock. Otherwise, others will still be able to view your chats.
The WhatsApp Web conversation password only works in the browser version. In your traditional chat you will not have any type of additional block. This is a new addition to strengthen privacy within the most popular version of WhatsApp on computers and laptops. Since there were so many WhatsApp Web users in offices, extra measures were requested to protect privacy.
What happens if the lock screen option does not appear?
If your WhatsApp Web version hasn't been updated yet, you can activate the beta version . This version, with features in testing mode, is activated from the settings menu. In this case, you'll need to go to the Help section and check the box that says "Join the beta version." Once you've completed this additional step, you should be able to create a password for your session and protect your chats on WhatsApp Web.
In addition to this new function that WhatsApp Web is already applying in its beta version, there are other security measures and tips that you can take to chat calmly from your computer. Among them, we tell you some considerations that you may have:
Avoid public networks
It's not recommended to connect to WhatsApp Web from a computer on a public Wi-Fi network . Hackers often try to take control of or infect your device on these types of networks, as well as remotely steal personal information, impersonate you, or scam your friends or family.
Use a VPN network
If you're connecting from a public network, it's recommended to use a VPN service . This hides your IP address, and depending on the service's quality, it will make it more difficult for hackers.
Check the HTTPS protocol
When entering WhatsApp Web from the browser, make sure you are using the HTTPS protocol. This adds greater security and makes it more difficult to spy on the data transmitted from your browser.
Check the files you download
In WhatsApp conversations, people sometimes share files with us. It's not advisable to accept downloads from unknown contacts , but it's also recommended to be cautious when downloading files in chats with friends or family. Some people copy contact information to impersonate others and might invite you to download a file that turns out to be a virus.
Conclusion
Aiming to provide users with greater security and protection , WhatsApp Web has added a new feature. The password for WhatsApp Web conversations acts as a screen lock, requiring anyone interested in snooping on your session to know the password. Unless it's very easy to guess, you shouldn't have much trouble protecting your content on the web.