Whatsapp / Messages

[Bazile]

Need to take phone to repair shop 

Can whatsApp and messages be closed down beforehand ?

[THECORBYLOON]

To lock WhatsApp,

'App Lock:

What it does:

Requires a password, fingerprint, or face ID to access the entire WhatsApp app. 

How to enable:

Go to WhatsApp Settings. 

Tap "Account" > "Privacy". 

Enable "App Lock" (Android) or "Screen Lock" (iOS). 

Set your password or biometric authentication.'

[Bazile]

Does that mean I need something called AppLock?

[THECORBYLOON]

When I read those steps, I assumed, without checking my own WhatsApp, that was a facility already available on that app but checking the now, it's not.

There is an app called AppLock which allows you lock apps and on Samsung 'phones, you can move apps to a secure folder which is password protected.

It might be that on your 'phone you have something similar.

Whenever I have put in a 'phone to be fixed, I have never thought to lock any apps.

I seen there are various methods to by-pass a password if it's forgotten and the 'phone cannot be opened and I do not know if "locked" apps can be accessed by those in the know anyway.

If you see CHRIS, it would be an idea to ask him.

[Bazile]

I just dont think it's a good idea to leave your phone at a repairer who can go into your text messages and WhatsApp messages and into your photo folder 

[Hymie]

I believe Gary Glitter had that problem (with his laptop) when he took it in for repair.

[ToraToraTora]

just log off then, aint rocket is it! 

[Gizmonster]

I'd assume that removing your sim card should do the job??

Surely you'd need the sim card inserted in order to be able to access phone calls, text messages, WhatsApp and anything else connected to the sim card's phone number??

[barry1010]

Whatsapp messages are stored on the phone and can still be accessed without the SIM if the phone is connected to WiFi.  Same with Messages.

Glitter hadn't locked his laptop so the repairers could access his files.  Hopefully Bazile has a strong lock on his phone - fingerprint, pin whatever.

If I were that concerned about my privacy I would delete all the applicable apps.  It is easy to reinstall them after the repair. 

Back up everything before you take it be repaired, whatever else you decide to do

 

[barry1010]

I've just remembered that last time I took my phone in to repair I had already put it back to factory settings, to see if that would solve the problem.  It didn't but it did mean there was no personal information or data on the phone.

I do this periodically anyway, it refreshes the device by getting rid of the accumulated crud. 

[Bazile]

The long and short of it is that er indoor's phone is playing up .

I've never had a phone looked at by a repairer before , so I didn't know if we have to unlock the phone before handing it over to them , because they may need to examine it in the unlocked state.

Obviously if the latter is required she would not want them to see stuff on WhatsApp / messages /photos 

So it seems like the best thing to do is to do a factory reset before handing it over 

[barry1010]

What's wrong with the phone?

[Bazile]

Keeps shutting down and you have to plug in the charger to activate it ( even though the charging symbol is showing that the battery is not low )