WhatsApp in May 2023 introduced a new Chat Lock feature that allows you to secure select conversations in your inbox behind a passcode, fingerprint, or Face ID authentication. Keep reading to learn how it’s done.
Millions of users rely on WhatsApp as a means of privately and securely communicating with others, which is why the company’s developers are continually seeking new ways to improve the encrypted messaging service with these core principles in mind.
WhatsApp’s latest privacy feature is Chat Lock, which lets you protect your most intimate conversations behind one more layer of security.
When you lock a conversation, it is automatically separated from the regular chat list and hidden in a locked folder that requires your passcode, fingerprint, or Face ID authentication to open.
What’s more, notification previews for any locked chats don’t show sender or message content, and any media shared in locked chats are not auto-saved to your phone’s photo library, altogether keeping the conversations more private.
The feature should prove handy if you occasionally share your phone with a family member, or in cases when someone else is looking at your phone’s screen at the exact moment an extra-sensitive chat arrives.
The following steps show you how to lock a WhatsApp conversation.
To return to a locked chat at a later time, slowly pull down on your Chats inbox to reveal the Locked Chats folder, then tap it. You’ll be prompted for authentication, after which you’ll be able to see and access all your locked chats in a separate list.
To unlock a locked conversation, simply follow the steps above again and toggle off the Lock This Chat switch.
WhatsApp says that in future it intends to add more options to Chat Lock, including locks for companion devices and creating a custom password for your chats so that you can use a unique password different from your phone’s.
Our comprehensive guide highlighting every major new addition in iOS 17, plus how-tos that walk you through using the new features.
AirDrop over the internet, Apple Music favorites and playlist art, StandBy mode and Action button tweaks, and more.
Get the most out your iPhone 15 with our complete guide to all the new features.
A deep dive into new features in macOS Sonoma, big and small.
Updated with M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max chip options, new Space Black color option on higher configurations, and more.
The new 24-inch iMac includes an M3 chip and supports Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and up to 24GB of memory.
The Apple Vision Pro AR/VR headset is set to launch in early 2024. It features dual 4K displays, gesture tracking, an M2 chip, and a $3,499 price tag.
M3 models in 13.6″ and 15.3″ sizes.
22 hours ago by Joe Rossignol
5 days ago by Tim Hardwick
5 days ago by Tim Hardwick
6 days ago by Joe Rossignol
5 days ago by Tim Hardwick
MacRumors attracts a broad audience of both consumers and professionals interested in the latest technologies and products. We also boast an active community focused on purchasing decisions and technical aspects of the iPhone, iPod, iPad, and Mac platforms.
