April 2025 — WhatsApp has rolled out a new advanced privacy feature designed to enhance the security of personal conversations. This move comes as part of the platform’s continued effort to provide users with greater control over their digital communications and to stay ahead of potential threats in the fast-evolving messaging landscape.
What Is the New Privacy Feature?
The newly introduced feature is called “Chat Lock with Secret Code”, and it builds upon WhatsApp’s existing Chat Lock system, which allows users to secure specific conversations using biometric authentication or device passcodes. With the update, users can now set a unique secret code, adding an extra layer of security and privacy.
This feature is especially useful for those who share their devices or want to keep sensitive conversations hidden, even from others who may have access to the phone.
How It Works
Here’s a breakdown of how the feature functions:
- Setting a Secret Code
Users can create a custom alphanumeric code that acts as a key to unlock locked chats. This code is independent of the device’s passcode or biometric settings, making it an added form of authentication. - Hiding Locked Chats
Once enabled, locked chats can be hidden from the main chat list. They can only be accessed by typing the secret code in the search bar within WhatsApp — a stealthy way to ensure sensitive conversations remain out of sight. - Notifications Are Protected
Notifications from locked chats are hidden, and message previews are not displayed, maintaining confidentiality even when the phone is in use. - Resetting or Changing the Code
Users can change or reset the secret code anytime via settings, as long as they authenticate their identity using their usual phone unlock method. - No Cloud Backup for Secret Code
To preserve privacy, the secret code is not backed up to the cloud, which means users must remember it themselves — or risk being locked out of those chats unless the app is reinstalled and reset.
Why It Matters
This enhancement reflects WhatsApp’s focus on privacy-first communication. As cyber threats and digital snooping concerns grow, features like secret codes help users maintain greater autonomy over their private data. Whether you’re handling confidential work info, personal conversations, or anything in between, this gives an extra sense of security.
How to Enable the Feature
To use the new secret code feature:
- Update to the latest version of WhatsApp.
- Go to the locked chats folder or Settings > Privacy > Chat Lock.
- Select “Secret Code” and follow the prompts to create and enable it.
This update marks another step forward in making WhatsApp one of the most secure messaging platforms globally. As always, users are encouraged to keep their app updated and stay informed about new privacy features.
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