WhatsApp Secret Code Feature for Locked Chats Roll Out How it Works on iOS and Android

WhatsApp is bringing a new secret code feature for locked chats. Earlier this year, the company introduced the Chat Lock feature, which has now been expanded and allows users to hide their locked chats behind a secret code. That means, if you are giving your phone to a friend or your phone falls into someone’s hands, then no one will be able to read your private chats. You can also protect your chats with your phone’s PIN or passcode, or by scanning your face or fingerprint. Let us know about this feature of WhatsApp.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Thursday rolled out new secret codes for the Chat Lock feature, which lets users lock a chat behind a password or phrase. Chats hidden behind the secret code will not be visible in the main chat list and can be accessed only by entering the secret code, which will add another layer of security to the messaging platform.

Tech News by Careers Ready tested this feature on the beta version of the app for Android smartphones. After opening the list of locked chats and tapping on the three-dot menu at the top > Chat lock settings > Toggle to hide locked chats and enter a secret code that is easy to remember. Now your locked chat will not be visible in the main chat window. Currently, swiping down on the chat screen will show a shortcut to WhatsApp locked chats, which users can access using their fingerprint or Face ID.

There is only one way to view or show your locked chats on WhatsApp after setting a secret code, you have to enter the same secret code in the search bar on the app. This will make chats protected by the Chat Lock feature visible, but only until you leave the app.

If you don’t want to hide your chats on WhatsApp, you can do so by opening the list of locked chats using your secret code, then tapping the three-dot menu > Chat lock settings > Lock chats to disable the secret code feature. You can return to normal chat by turning off the toggle to hide.

WhatsApp also says that to lock a chat, you will not have to enter different chat settings. You can simply long press a chat to lock it. The Secret Code feature is live for users and will be available globally in the coming months. However, there is no information as to when or whether it will launch for WhatsApp desktop.