In today’s digital age, privacy is a paramount concern. With messaging apps being a primary means of communication, ensuring the security of personal conversations has never been more critical. WhatsApp, one of the most widely used messaging apps globally, offers a robust feature called Chat Lock to enhance user privacy. In this article, we’ll explore what WhatsApp Chat Lock is, and provide step-by-step guides on how to use it on both Android and iPhone devices. Additionally, we’ll show you how to hide the locked chats folder and how to unlock or remove chats from the locked chats folder.
What is WhatsApp Chat Lock?
WhatsApp Chat Lock is a feature that allows users to secure specific chats with a passcode, fingerprint, or Face ID. This means that even if someone gains access to your phone, they cannot read the locked chats without the designated authentication method. This added layer of security ensures that your private conversations remain private.
How to Use WhatsApp Chat Lock on Android
Step-1: Open WhatsApp
- Launch the WhatsApp app on your Android device.
Step-2: Access Chat Settings
- Long press on the chat you want to lock.
- Tap the “More options” (three dots in the top-right corner) and select “Lock Chat.”
Step-3: Enable Chat Lock
- Tap “Continue,” followed by “Confirm Face or Fingerprint” to enable the lock.
- Tap on the “Locked Chats” folder, verify with Face ID or Fingerprint, and you’ll see the locked chats in the folder.
Hiding the Locked Chats Folder on Android
This is useful as the Locked Chats folder is always positioned at the top of the main chats screen. Hiding it can prevent unnecessary attention. Here’s how to hide the Locked Chats folder on your Android phone:
- Go to the main chat screen and the Locked Chats folder is always at the top.
- Tap the “Locked Chats” folder, followed by “Settings” in the top-right corner.
- In the “Chat Lock Settings,” toggle on “Hide Locked Chats.”
- Tap the “Create Secret Code” button on the following screen. Enter and confirm your secret code to use when hiding or finding your locked chats for more privacy. We used 1234 as the secret code for demo purposes.
- From now on, whenever you want to access your hidden Locked Chats folder on your Android phone, tap the magnifying glass icon and enter your secret code in the search bar. Your hidden Locked Chats folder will show up in the search results.
How to Unlock Chats from Locked Chats Folder on Android
To unlock chats from Locked Chats folder on Android phone, follow these steps:
- Go to the Locked Chats folder and tap on it.
- Long press on the chat you want to unlock.
- Tap “More options (3-Vertical-Dot in the top-right corner),” and select “Unlock Chat.”
- Confirm your fingerprint to remove the lock.
Read also: How to Search Old WhatsApp Chat Messages by Date
How to Use WhatsApp Chat Lock on iPhone
For iPhone users, here is a step-by-step guide on how to use WhatsApp Chat Lock:
Step-1: Open WhatsApp
- Launch the WhatsApp app on your iPhone.
Step-2: Access Chat Settings
- Long press on the chat you want to lock.
- Tap the “Lock Chat” option.
Step-3: Enable Chat Lock
- Tap “Continue,” followed by “Lock this chat with Face ID” or “Lock this chat with passcode” and confirm your Face ID or passcode to enable the lock.
- Tap on the “Locked Chats” folder, verify with Face ID, and you’ll see the locked chats in the folder.
Hiding the Locked Chats Folder on iPhone
This is useful as the Locked Chats folder is always positioned at the top of the main chats screen. Hiding it can prevent unnecessary attention. Here’s how to hide the Locked Chats folder on your iPhone:
- Go to the main chat screen and the Locked Chats folder is always at the top.
- Tap the “Locked Chats” folder, followed by “Settings” in the top-right corner.
- In the “Chat Lock Settings,” toggle on “Hide Locked Chats.”
- Tap the “Create Secret Code” button on the following screen. Enter your secret code to use when hiding or finding your locked chats for more privacy. We used 5678 as the secret code for demo purposes.
- From now on, whenever you want to access your hidden Locked Chats folder on your iPhone, tap the magnifying glass icon and enter your secret code in the search bar. Your hidden Locked Chats folder will show up in the search results.
How to Unlock Chats from Locked Chats Folder on iPhone
To unlock chats from Locked Chats folder on an iPhone, follow these steps:
- Go to the Locked Chats folder and tap on it.
- Long press on the chat you want to unlock.
- Tap the “Unlock Chat” option.
- Confirm your Face ID or enter your passcode to unlock.
Additional Tips and Features
- Notification Privacy: When chats are locked, notification content and contact names are hidden, showing only “WhatsApp: 1 new message.”
- Media Handling: Locked chats will not save media to your phone’s gallery unless you turn off chat lock.
- Group Chats: Both individual and group chats can be locked.
- Calls: Calls from locked chat contacts will still appear as usual.
- Linked Devices: Chat lock applies only to the phone it’s set up on and not on linked devices.
- Backup and Restore: Locked chats remain locked after restoring backups if device authentication is set up.
Read also: Will WhatsApp Notify Me if Someone Takes a Screenshot?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) How does chat lock work on WhatsApp?
Chat lock allows users to secure specific chats with a passcode, fingerprint, or Face ID. Once enabled, the locked chats require the designated authentication method to be accessed, ensuring that your private conversations remain protected even if someone gains access to your phone.
2) Why can’t I see chat lock on WhatsApp?
If you can’t see the chat lock feature, ensure your WhatsApp is updated to the latest version. The feature might also be rolling out gradually, so it could take some time to appear on all devices. Additionally, check your device’s settings to ensure biometric authentication is enabled.
3) Can you put a lock on a group chat?
Yes, you can lock both individual and group chats on WhatsApp. The process for locking a group chat is the same as locking an individual chat, providing an extra layer of security for your group conversations.
Top Tip: Discover the meaning of numerous WhatsApp symbols and icons so that you can navigate the platform with ease.
Conclusion
WhatsApp Chat Lock is an essential feature for anyone looking to enhance their privacy on the app. Whether you’re using an Android or iPhone, setting up and managing chat locks is straightforward. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your private conversations remain secure and out of reach from prying eyes. Remember to periodically review your locked chats and update your authentication methods to maintain optimal security. Stay safe and enjoy peace of mind with WhatsApp’s Chat Lock feature!
For more detailed information, visit the WhatsApp Help Center.
