How To Lock WhatsApp Chats With Secret Code? [Step-by-Step Guide]

Do you know how to lock WhatsApp Chats? Why do you need that in the first place? Privacy and security have become a priority for many users, and for good reason. Since WhatsApp is widely used across the globe, almost every smartphone user has an account, making it a potential target for prying eyes. Even close friends or family members might glance at your private chats, raising privacy concerns.

To address this, many smartphones offer built-in app-locking features, and third-party solutions are available. However, WhatsApp now brings its own built-in security feature: WhatsApp Chat Lock.

WhatsApp Has A Solution For Your Privacy Vows

WhatsApp’s Chat Lock feature allows users to lock specific conversations, moving them into a Locked Chats folder that requires biometric authentication or a secret code to access. Additionally, you can hide locked chats for an extra layer of privacy. Below, we’ll guide you through locking WhatsApp chats, setting up a secret code, and hiding locked chats step by step.

How to Lock WhatsApp Chats?

Locking WhatsApp chats is simple and requires just a few steps:

1. Open WhatsApp on your phone.
2. Long-press the chat you want to lock.
3. Tap the three-dot menu (top-right corner) and select Lock Chat.
4. A prompt will appear asking for confirmation. Tap Confirm.

5. Authenticate using your fingerprint, face ID, or phone PIN. If you’ve set up a Secret Code, you’ll have the option to use it instead.

6. Once locked, the chat moves to the Locked Chats folder, accessible only via biometric authentication or the Secret Code.

How to Set Up the Secret Code?

A Secret Code is independent of your phone’s PIN and provides an extra level of security. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Open WhatsApp.
2. Go to the Locked Chats folder at the top of your inbox.
3. Tap the three-dot menu (top-right corner) and select Chat Lock Settings.
4. Enter your preferred Secret Code (different from your phone PIN for better security).
5. Re-enter the Secret Code to confirm.

Now, you can use this Secret Code instead of biometrics or PIN authentication

How to Hide Locked WhatsApp Chats?

Even though your chats are locked, the Locked Chats folder remains visible, which might signal that you’re hiding something. To further enhance privacy, follow these steps to hide it:

1. Open WhatsApp.

2. Tap on Locked Chats, then enter your Secret Code or authenticate with biometrics.

3. Tap the three-dot menu (top-right corner) and select Chat Lock Settings.

4. Toggle on Hide Locked Chats and confirm with your Secret Code.

5. Once hidden, you can access locked chats only by entering your Secret Code in the search bar.

Wrapping Up

With WhatsApp Chat Lock, you can secure your private conversations using biometrics, PINs, or a Secret Code. While this feature enhances privacy, keep in mind that anyone with access to your fingerprint or face ID might still unlock your chats. However, hiding locked chats ensures that only you know they exist.

By following the steps above, you can keep your conversations safe from prying eyes while maintaining full control over your WhatsApp privacy settings.