Users of Samsung Galaxy S23 devices and OnePlus phones are reporting issues with WhatsApp’s fingerprint lock feature, experiencing crashes and unexpected app closures after attempting to unlock the messaging app with their fingerprint. The problem, initially surfacing in Samsung’s community forums and echoed by OnePlus users, appears to be disrupting a popular security feature designed to protect user privacy.
The core issue centers around WhatsApp unexpectedly closing or crashing immediately after a successful fingerprint authentication attempt. Several users have detailed experiencing the problem consistently, effectively rendering the fingerprint lock unusable. While the problem isn’t universal, the reports suggest a potential incompatibility or bug affecting a subset of devices and WhatsApp installations. This issue is particularly frustrating for users who rely on biometric authentication for quick and secure access to their messages.
Potential Causes and Workarounds
Several potential causes for the WhatsApp fingerprint lock malfunction have been identified. According to iToolab, a common cause is a dirty fingerprint sensor or an issue with the finger itself. Trying a different finger or cleaning the sensor may resolve the problem. Software updates, both for the device operating system and the WhatsApp application, are likewise frequently cited as potential fixes. Users are advised to ensure both their phone and WhatsApp are running the latest versions. iToolab suggests resetting your fingerprint within your phone’s settings as another troubleshooting step.
DroidWin reports a temporary workaround that has proven effective for some users: completely closing WhatsApp from the recent apps screen and then relaunching the application. This can be achieved by swiping up on the WhatsApp app card in the recent apps overview. Force-stopping the app through the device settings (Settings > Apps > All Apps > WhatsApp > Force Stop > OK) is another, albeit more involved, solution. DroidWin details these steps for resolving the issue.
Battery Optimization and App Sleep Modes May Contribute
One Samsung Galaxy S23 user, posting on the Samsung Community, discovered a potential link between battery optimization settings and the WhatsApp fingerprint lock issue. The user reported that after implementing changes to conserve battery life – including disabling Ram Plus, enabling light performance mode, and putting WhatsApp and Instagram into sleep mode – WhatsApp began crashing after fingerprint authentication. The Samsung Community post suggests that aggressive battery optimization features may interfere with WhatsApp’s ability to properly handle fingerprint authentication.
Alternative Access Methods
If the fingerprint lock continues to malfunction, users can still access WhatsApp using alternative methods. Tecnobits outlines several options, including disabling biometric authentication altogether within WhatsApp’s privacy settings. Restarting the device is also recommended as a basic troubleshooting step, as it can sometimes resolve temporary software glitches. Tecnobits provides a detailed guide on these alternative access methods.
What to Expect Next
As reports of this issue continue to surface, it’s likely that both Samsung and WhatsApp will investigate the root cause and release updates to address the problem. Users experiencing this issue are encouraged to report it directly to WhatsApp through the app’s support channels and to monitor the Samsung Community forums for updates and potential solutions. The interplay between device-level optimizations and app functionality highlights the complexities of modern smartphone ecosystems, and resolving these types of issues often requires coordinated efforts between hardware manufacturers and software developers.
Have you experienced issues with WhatsApp’s fingerprint lock? Share your experiences and any solutions you’ve found in the comments below.
