WhatsApp has recently introduced its “Chat Lock” feature, providing an extra level of privacy for users looking to keep specific conversations hidden from prying eyes. To enable Chat Lock on your Android or iOS device, simply open WhatsApp, navigate to the chat you want to lock, tap the contact or group name at the top, scroll down to the “Chat Lock” option, and toggle it on. You’ll need to authenticate using biometrics like fingerprint or Face ID, ensuring only you can access the locked chats. Once activated, these chats will be moved to a “Locked Chats” folder within WhatsApp, which can only be opened through authentication
With Chat Lock enabled, you’ll notice changes in how your notifications appear. For chats that are locked, incoming message notifications will not display any details, keeping both the sender’s name and the message content hidden. Instead, you’ll only see a notification indicating a message has arrived. This feature is ideal for those who share devices with family members or friends and want to keep certain chats confidential. Chat Lock can be used on both individual and group chats, adding flexibility for users looking to secure sensitive conversations.
It’s important to note that Chat Lock currently only applies to mobile devices and does not extend to WhatsApp Web or desktop apps. However, Meta has announced plans to expand Chat Lock functionality, including custom passwords and compatibility with linked devices, so that WhatsApp users can enjoy consistent privacy across all platforms. This feature is expected to be especially popular in Pakistan, where digital privacy is a growing concern, and Chat Lock offers an easy solution to keep conversations secure without compromising convenience.