• Source:JND
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WhatsApp, a popular instant messaging application, regularly gets limelight for testing new features. In the latest update on Android in the beta channel, the company is now developing a chat lock feature across linked devices. Spotted in works on Android beta '2.24.4.14', the feature will likely be released for users in an upcoming build via Google Play Store, according to WABetaInfo.

According to the report, the feature is not rolling out for testers because it is still "under development". It will expand the capabilities of the chat lock from smartphones to other devices running on different WhatsApp platforms. Apart from cross-device syncing, the WhatsApp tracker also spotted an update concerning the chat lock feature on the web recently.

Also Read: WhatsApp Chat Lock: 'Secret Code' Is Here To Make Your Chats More Secure And Hide Them From Conversation List

According to the screengrab shared in the report, once a user locks a chat on the primary handset, the changes will reflect across other devices to boost the privacy of such conversations on the instant messaging app. "We also locked this chat on your linked device. Use your secret code to open," the text on the dialogue box on the Android app read.

The synchronisation of the feature will allow for locking chats across devices and keep them private from others, irrespective of the gadget in use. WABetaInfo noted that a secret code may be required to view the chat list in the private folder on a linked device for added security. While securing chats across different platforms, the service will allow users to check the status of these chats across devices.

Also Read: WhatsApp Locked Chats Will Not Show Up In Your Chat List Due To This Setting In Future; Details

Speaking of updates other than the beta protocol, the company recently announced the option to block people without opening their message directly from the lock screen. "Now it's easier than ever to control who contacts you. Block spam right from your lock screen or chat list without opening the message," WhatsApp said. Once the user taps the 'Block' option in a WhatsApp notification, a prompt to 'Block' the contact (and report) will pop up to confirm the user's choice.