Facebook recently added a new security feature to their mobile Messenger app, called "Application lock" (App Lock), allows you to protect your messages with Face ID or Touch ID so that no one can read them except you.

Let's find out how to enable Face ID or Touch ID for Facebook Messenger, and adjust the Messenger lock time after you exit the app.

A more secure Messenger

According to FacebookThis app lock feature gives you an extra layer of security to your private messages and prevents others from reading them. This is especially useful if your friends or family members need to borrow your phone, they won't be able to access your chats.

This feature is disabled by default, follow the steps below to enable it on your device.

How to lock Messenger using Face ID or Touch ID

first. Make sure you updated Messenger to the latest version from the App Store. Click here to update Messenger.

2. Open the Messenger app.

3. Click your avatar screen in the upper left corner of the screen, then choose options Privacy.

4. Click next on options Application lock. You will now see options Requires Touch ID / Face IDPlease turn this option on.

5. Place your finger on the home button or if you use a device that doesn't have a home button, like an iPhone X or later, you don't need to do anything as Messenger will automatically scan your face.

6. After you have authenticated Touch ID / Face ID, there will be a new option that allows you to adjust the time that Messenger requires Touch ID / Face ID.

By default it will choose "After I leave Messenger"This means that when you switch to another app and then come back, you need to authenticate Touch ID / Face ID to unlock Messenger. Also you can choose the time 1 minute, 15 minutes or 1 hour depending on your needs.

That's it, from now on your Messenger app will always ask for Touch ID / Face ID every time you open it or after you exit it for a set amount of time.

What if your device doesn't have Face ID or Touch ID? Don't worry - in that case, it's okay to use your device's passcode to unlock the app (you will also be asked to enter your passcode after several unsuccessful attempts using Face ID or Touch ID).

Facebook says Android users will get an App Lock feature in the next few months.

New controls coming soon

In addition to this Messenger lockout feature, Facebook added that it's about to add a feature that makes it easy to choose who can text or call you directly, who gets into your requested folders and who can't text or call you.

According to Facebook, they're working to protect your privacy and safety when someone you're not familiar with is texting you. They will be testing the same features as Messenger on Instagram and WhatsApp. This way, you can choose to see pictures from someone you might not know before replying to messages, blocking or reporting the account.

Do you use Messenger?

Are you using Facebook Messenger? If not, what messaging platform are you using? Personally, I'm using iMessage, Zalo and Messenger because my friends and relatives also use these messaging platforms, but I'm willing to use a unified messaging app if any.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below.