We love a great new feature from our favourite apps, and WhatsApp have rolled out a fantastic one, allowing you to add an extra layer of security to your most private conversations.
If you haven’t already guessed, the clever new feature we're talking about is called Chat Lock. But what exactly is it, and how does it work? We're here to walk you through it.
What is it?
Chat Lock allows you to lock individual chats within WhatsApp using a passcode or biometric authentication – in other words, your fingerprint or face recognition, as a way of keeping your messages hidden from prying eyes.
Your locked chats are then stored in a separate folder, that only you have access to. It also automatically hides the contents of that chat in your notifications, too. Pretty sneaky right?
It's a handy, straightforward feature that people have been clamouring for – but in case you're still unsure, here's how to use it.
How to use Chat Lock on iPhone.
Before we start, it’s worth mentioning that if you don’t have a passcode, fingerprint or Face ID set up already, you’ll be asked to set this up before locking a chat.
1. Open up WhatsApp on your iPhone
2. Select the conversation you want to lock
3. Tap your contacts name inside the conversation, at the top
4. Scroll down until you find the “Chat Lock” option
5. Tap “Chat Lock”
6. Enable the toggle for “Lock This Chat with Face ID” (this will prompt Face ID)
7. Tap “View” to see the chat in the Locked chats folder
When you turn on Chat Lock from your phone, it will lock chats on that device only. If you have other devices linked to WhatsApp, like your laptop or tablet, the chats on those linked devices won’t be locked.
How to use Chat Lock on Android.
1. Open up WhatsApp on your Samsung Galaxy, Pixel, or other Android phone
2. Select the conversation you want to lock
3. Tap your contacts name inside the conversation, at the top
4. Scroll down until you find the “Chat Lock” option
5. Tap “Chat Lock”
6. Enable the toggle for “Lock this chat with fingerprint”, and tap “OK”
7. Scan your fingerprint
And voila, it’s as simple as that.
How to view your locked chats.
All your locked chats can be found at the very top of your WhatsApp conversations, under the Locked chats tab. Here’s how:
1. Go to the Chats category and swipe down.
2. Tap the Locked chats folder.
3. Confirm your passcode, Face ID or touch the fingerprint sensor to unlock.
4. Tap the chat to view or send a message.
How to turn off Chat Lock.
If you change your mind, and no longer want to use this feature, simply:
1. Tap on chat info for an individual conversation or a group chat
2. Scroll down until you find “Chat Lock”
3. Toggle off and confirm your passcode, fingerprint or Face ID
Try it out.
Whether you want to keep your chats hidden, prevent accidental access or need the additional privacy for work or business, Chat Lock has you covered. And by following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily set up Chat Lock and enjoy a more secure messaging experience.
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