WhatsApp, owned by Meta, has recently launched the “Chat Lock” feature for Android and iPhone users. This feature aims to provide enhanced privacy and security for individuals who want to keep their chats confidential. Let’s delve into how this feature works and its key aspects.
How does WhatsApp chat lock work?
The WhatsApp chat lock feature allows users to password-protect their personal and group chats. Once enabled, these locked chats are stored separately in a designated “Locked chats” folder. To access and interact with locked chats, users must authenticate themselves using device authentication methods such as phone passcode, Face ID, or fingerprint.
Key Features of WhatsApp chat lock:
1. Hidden content and contacts: Locked chats hide the notification content and contacts, with notifications appearing as “WhatsApp: 1 new message.”
2. Media privacy: Media is kept private by requiring users to disable chat lock to save media to their device’s gallery.
3. Locking group chats and muted chats: Group chats and muted chats can also be locked for added privacy.
4. Unaffected calls: Calls from locked chat contacts or groups will still appear and remain unaffected by chat lock.
5. Device-specific lock: Chat lock applies only to the device where it is enabled. Other linked devices, like desktop computers, will not have locked chats.
6. Backup and restore compatibility: Locked chats remain locked when users back up and restore their WhatsApp data on a new phone. Users must set up device authentication to access locked chats after restoration.
7. Stealth mode: The recipient of a locked chat will be unaware that the chat is locked.
8. Locking archived chats: To lock an archived chat, users must unarchive it first and then apply the chat lock.
9. Setting up device authentication: Users without device authentication set up will be prompted to do so before locking a chat.
Step-by-Step Guide to Enable WhatsApp chat lock:
1. Open the chat you wish to lock.
2. Go to chat info and tap on “Chat lock.”
3. Choose either “Lock this chat with fingerprint” or “Lock this chat with Face ID.”
4. The chat will be successfully locked and moved to the “Locked chats” folder.
5. To view a locked chat, tap “View” within the “Locked chats” folder.
How to Disable WhatsApp chat lock:
1. Open a locked chat.
2. Go to chat info and tap on “Chat lock.”
3. Toggle off the lock feature and confirm using fingerprint or Face ID.
4. The chat will be unlocked and accessible as usual.
WhatsApp’s Chat Lock feature offers users an additional layer of privacy and control over their chats. By enabling chat lock and using device authentication, individuals can ensure that their conversations remain secure even when sharing their phones. This feature serves as a valuable tool for safeguarding private discussions and maintaining confidentiality on the popular messaging platform.
