Do you want to be extra sure that no one is peeping yourFacebook Messengerchats when you’re away from your iPhone, iPad or Android device?
Luckily Facebook allows you to enable an extra layer of security. The app itself can be locked down when you close it, requiring you to useFace ID,Touch IDor a biometric authentification to open it back up.
Here’s everything you need to know about this privacy feature, including how to enable it on your mobile device.
How to lock the Facebook Messenger app on your device
Have you ever been in a situation where you unlocked your phone and let a friend or family member borrow it, and immediately regretted that decision, fearing the person would be able to access your Facebook Messenger chats?
Don’t worry, Facebook has a feature called App Lock foriPhone, iPad users, as well as some Android users. Keep in mind that you have to set up a face or fingerprint ID and passcode on your mobile device before the app lock can work - check outApple’s support pagefor help if you’re running an iPhone or iPad.
Once you have either authentication method set up, you can immediately enable it for use in the Facebook Messenger app. To turn the app lock on or off for Messenger:
When you want to respond to messages or calls from Messenger, tap on the notification, and App Lock will ask for your fingerprint or Face ID. you’re able to still see message notifications and calls from Messenger when it’s locked, though you canturn off previewsfor Messenger.
You can also set up your device to let youreply to locked notificationswithout providing an ID.
Is App Lock coming to Facebook Messenger for Android?
App Lock is supposed to be available on Android devices running Android 9 and Android 10. We don’t have the option on our devices strangely, but if you do, you can access it using the steps detailed above.
