- By Prateek Levi
- Thu, 25 Dec 2025 10:12 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
WhatsApp’s Chat Lock feature is designed for people who want an extra layer of privacy for specific conversations rather than the entire app. Instead of leaving every chat visible on the main screen, this feature allows selected chats to be moved into a hidden space that only opens after authentication. It is especially useful when a phone is occasionally shared with family members, friends, or colleagues.
When a chat is locked, it disappears from the regular chat list and goes into a dedicated Locked Chats area. Notifications from these chats don’t reveal message content either, which keeps sensitive conversations discreet — even when the phone is unlocked or in someone else’s hand.
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The feature supports multiple authentication methods depending on the device, including PIN, fingerprint, Face ID, or passcode, offering flexibility while maintaining privacy.
How To Lock A Chat On WhatsApp
On Android
To secure a conversation on Android, first open the chat you want to protect. From there, go to the contact or group details page and look for the Chat Lock option. Turn on the setting that enables locking for that chat and complete the authentication step using your fingerprint or PIN. Once done, the conversation will no longer appear in your main chat list and will be moved to the Locked Chats section.
On iOS
The process on iPhone works in a similar way. Open the chat, go to the contact or group info page, and select Chat Lock. Activate the lock option and confirm using Face ID or your device passcode. The chat is then shifted to the Locked Chats area and stays hidden until you authenticate.
How To Open Or View Locked Chats
On Android
To access your locked conversations, scroll to the top of your chats until the Locked Chats section appears. Select it and verify your identity using your fingerprint, PIN, or pattern. Once authenticated, you can open and read the chat normally inside the locked section.
On iOS
On iPhone, go to the Locked Chats section and authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode to reveal the chats stored inside it. After unlocking, you can open any conversation you’ve secured.
How To Remove Chat Lock From A Conversation
If you decide that a chat no longer needs to stay locked, open the Locked Chats area, authenticate, and enter the conversation. Head back to the Chat Lock settings for that chat and switch the feature off. The conversation will return to the main chat list and won’t require authentication anymore.
A Privacy Feature Built For Real-World Usage
Chat Lock feels like a practical feature for everyday scenarios — whether a device is occasionally shared, used in public spaces, or simply needs selective privacy. Instead of hiding the entire app or relying on third-party tools, WhatsApp now offers a built-in, organised way to keep personal conversations separate and protected.