Unlock New Levels of Privacy: WhatsApp’s Chat Lock and Archiving Features

WhatsApp users can now hide chats to better organize their conversations and keep certain messages hidden from view. This feature is made possible through the Chat Lock option, which blocks conversations and requires a secret code to access them. By hiding chats and putting a “key” on messages, users can prioritize their conversations and maintain privacy on both Android and iPhone devices.

Once activated, locked chats will be stored in a separate folder called Blocked Chats, away from the main chat list. Messages from these hidden chats will not display the contact or message content in notifications, only showing a generic notification like “WhatsApp: 1 new message.” To unlock these chats and read or send messages, users simply need to use their device authentication, such as a passcode, Face ID, fingerprint, or a secret code they set.

To set up the Chat Lock function and protect conversations with a secret code, users can follow a series of steps to ensure additional privacy. This unique password adds an extra layer of security for locked chats and can contain a combination of letters, numbers, symbols, and emojis. Additionally, users have the option to hide the Locked Chats folder from the main chat list and only reveal it by entering the secret code in the search bar.

Another option for organizing chats on WhatsApp is archiving them, which provides a simpler alternative to hiding conversations. Archiving a chat removes it from the main chat list but still allows users to access it when needed. To view archived chats, users can click on the “Archived” section above the chat list. If they wish to unarchive a chat, they can simply select the conversation in the Archived Chats section and use the icon with an up arrow to move it back to the main chat list.

By utilizing features like Chat Lock and archiving chats