Calling all WhatsApp users concerned about privacy! Meta, the company behind WhatsApp, is rolling out a new security feature designed to give you more control over your chats. The “Locked Chats” feature is currently being tested by Android beta users, offering an additional layer of protection for your most sensitive conversations.
The feature was noticed by WABetaInfo and it mentions: “In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.8.4 update, we announced that WhatsApp was working on a locked chats feature for linked devices. This feature was designed to offer users an additional layer of privacy for their conversations, ensuring that their sensitive chats are also protected on their linked devices.”
“It appears that WhatsApp is finally in the testing phase of this feature with select users, hinting at a wider release scheduled in the coming weeks. Thanks to the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.11.9 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is now rolling out the ability to lock chats from linked devices,” it adds.
What is the Locked Chats Feature?
Previously, WhatsApp offered fingerprint or passcode lock functionality for the entire app. This meant even if someone unlocked your phone, they wouldn’t be able to access your WhatsApp messages without the additional security step. The Locked Chats feature takes this a step further.
With this new feature, you can choose to lock specific chats within the app. This requires creating a unique PIN or using fingerprint/face unlock to access those specific conversations. Even if your phone is unlocked and someone has access to WhatsApp, they won’t be able to view the content of your locked chats.
Related Stories
What are the Benefits of WhatsApp Locked Chats?
- Enhanced Privacy: This feature is ideal for situations where you might hand your phone to someone but want to ensure your private chats remain hidden.
- Accidental Message Prevention: No more accidentally sending a message to the wrong person! Locking chats can prevent embarrassing moments by requiring the PIN/unlock before sending messages.
- Peace of Mind: The Locked Chats feature offers an extra layer of security, giving you peace of mind knowing your most sensitive conversations are protected.
WABetaInfo mentions: “We believe that implementing this feature on linked devices will further enhance both privacy and user convenience. By allowing users to separate their protected conversations from the chats list, WhatsApp ensures a high level of confidentiality, reducing the risk of accidental exposure.”
In addition, locked chats are consistently synchronized across all devices by setting up a secret code. With the introduction of locked chats support for linked devices, users can be confident that their sensitive conversations always remain hidden from prying eyes across all their mobile devices,” it adds.
What is the Availability of this Feature?
Currently, the Locked Chats feature is only available for a limited number of Android beta testers using WhatsApp version 2.24.11.9. However, based on reports, a wider rollout to all Android users and potentially iPhone users is expected in the coming weeks.
The Locked Chats feature demonstrates WhatsApp’s commitment to user privacy. By offering granular control over chat security, users can now enjoy a more secure messaging experience.
