New Tool to Lock WhatsApp and Instagram on Android
Google has unveiled a new feature built into the Android operating system, allowing users to lock specific apps—such as WhatsApp and Instagram—using a fingerprint, facial recognition, or a PIN code. This move aims to enhance privacy protection for individuals who frequently lend their phones to others who might be curious. The feature is part of the Android 17QPR2 beta release, where users can activate the lock by simply pressing and holding the app icon.
Unlike previous solutions that relied on third-party applications or custom interfaces limited to specific device models, this is the first time an app-locking tool is available at the operating-system level for all devices compatible with the update, ensuring a uniform level of protection regardless of the manufacturer. The feature draws inspiration from a similar tool that has long been available in iOS, but it has been specifically designed to fit the architecture of the Android operating system.
The lock’s impact extends beyond merely preventing app access; notifications associated with the locked app automatically disappear, and its widgets and home screen shortcuts are hidden, ensuring that anyone holding the phone cannot view sensitive content, even briefly. Conversely, the feature excludes pre-configured automation tools, such as AI assistants or programmed routines, which retain access rights if they were already enabled, as the goal is to deter curious human eyes rather than disrupt legitimate automation.
According to currently available information, the QPR2 update is scheduled to first reach Google Pixel phones toward the end of 2026, before gradually rolling out to other manufacturers. After installation, users can manage protected apps directly from the security and privacy settings.
This development comes amid growing user concern over protecting personal data, whether in social settings or workplaces where device sharing is common, providing users with an additional layer of protection without complicating daily usage.
