How To Lock/Unlock Chats on WhatsApp

WhatsApp has recently rolled out a new feature that has caught everyone's attention - the Lock Chats feature. This is a feature that allows you to lock specific chats that you want to keep secure and private. It's a great feature for anyone who wants to keep their private conversations safe from prying eyes. If you're interested in turning on the lock chats on your WhatsApp, then you've come to the right place. Whether you're using an Android device, iPhone, Computer, Laptop, Desktop or Web version of WhatsApp, I will provide you with an ultimate guide on how to turn on lock chats on your device, steps to activate it, what to consider before turning on lock chat, the advantages and disadvantages of locking your chats, how to view locked chats, as well as how to turn off lock chat on WhatsApp. Without any further ado, let's get started!

What's Lock Chat?

Lock Chat is a new privacy feature introduced by WhatsApp CEO, Mark Zuckerberg that allows users to add an extra layer of security to their private conversations. This new locked chats feature was launched on 15th May 2023 and it allows users to lock specific chats with a password or fingerprint to prevent unauthorized access. According to a post shared by WhatsApp CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, the "new locked chats in WhatsApp make your conversations more private. They're hidden in a password protected folder and notifications won't show sender or message content."

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Locked chats will be hidden from the main conversation list, and users will have to authenticate themselves using their chosen method before they can access the messages. This feature is particularly useful for those who share their phones with others and want to keep their private conversations safe from prying eyes. To use this feature, users need to update their WhatsApp to the latest version, and then they can enable the feature in the App's privacy settings. Overall, Lock Chat is a great addition to the app that provides an extra layer of security for the user's private conversations.

What To Keep In Mind Before Turning On Lock Chats On WhatsApp

WhatsApp's new Lock Chat feature has been making waves in the messaging world, and it's easy to see why. With this feature, you can now add an extra layer of security to your chats by locking them with a fingerprint or face recognition, making them only accessible to you. However, before I guide you through the steps to turn on this amazing lock chat feature on your device, there are a few important things I would like to draw your attention to. These are some of the things you should keep in mind before turning on the lock chats on your WhatsApp:

1. Firstly, Lock Chat is available for all devices, that means whether you're using an Android device, iPhone, Computer, laptop, or you are an iOS user, you will be able to turn on lock chats on your device.

2. Secondly, once you lock a chat, it will remain locked until you unlock it, which means that you won't receive any notifications or messages from that chat unless you manually unlock it. Therefore, it's important to make sure that you don't accidentally lock a chat that you need to access frequently. 

3. You will need an authentication method to turn on, view or turn off lock chats on Whatsapp, this could be your fingerprint, face recognition or pin password. However, make sure that you don't forget your passcode, as you won't be able to access your locked chats without it.  

4. Make sure that your device is compatible with the feature and that your WhatsApp is updated. For now, lock chats is available for Android device, iPhone, computer, Web version of the app as well as the iOS. Also, remember that locking your chats means that you won't receive notifications for those chats, so you will need to check them manually. 

5. Finally, consider if this feature is something you really need, as it may be more suitable for those who share devices or have sensitive information to protect. 

In summary, Lock Chat can be a great way to add an extra layer of privacy and security to your conversations, but it's important to consider these factors before enabling it. With these considerations in mind, you can make an informed decision on whether turning on the Lock Chat feature is right for you. 

Prerequisites For Turning On Lock Chats On Your WhatsApp

• Have an Updated WhatsApp version. Whether Business WhatsApp, Normal WhatsApp or (GB Whatsapp), you might like to download here if you don't have GB Whatsapp.

• Have a good internet connection

• Have Data (MB) subscription

• Authentication method, that's either your fingerprint, face recognition, pin, pattern or password.

How To Turn On Lock Chats Feature - Steps To Lock Chats On WhatsApp

Turning on lock chats is a very easy and straightforward process, and you can do it by yourself as far as you have the prerequisites items I've mentioned above. Follow the steps below to successfully turn on lock chats on any device:

Step 1: Update your WhatsApp App

Image used for illustrative purpose only

The first step is to update your WhatsApp App to the latest version. To do this, simply go to your Google play store or Apple Appstore, navigate to your installed apps list and select the WhatsApp, or you simply search for WhatsApp using the Google Playstore search box. Click on the "Update" button and your current WhatsApp App will be fully updated to the latest version. 

Note: If your WhatsApp is already updated, recently, you can skip step 1. 

Step 2: Lock Your Chats

After you have updated your WhatsApp to the latest version, it's now time to turn on the lock chats. To turn on the lock chat feature, simply follow the steps below: 

How to Turn on Chat Lock on Android Phone

1. Tap chat info > Chat lock.

2. Tap Lock this chat with fingerprint and confirm your fingerprint.

3. Tap View to see the chat in the Locked chats folder.

How To View your Locked Chats on Android 

You can view your locked chats in the Locked chats folder. Here is how to view your locked chats:

1. Go to the Chats tab and swipe down.

2. Tap the Locked chats folder.

3. Touch the fingerprint sensor to unlock.

4. Tap the chat to view or send a message.

How To Turn off Chat Lock on Android

You can turn off chat lock in the chat’s info. Here is how to turn off chat lock on Android phone:

1. Tap chat info > Chat lock.

2. Toggle off and confirm your fingerprint.

How To Turn On Chat Lock On iPhone

1. Tap chat info > Chat lock.

2. Tap Lock this chat with Face ID and confirm your Face ID.

3. Tap View to see the chat in the Locked chats folder. You can view your locked chats in the Locked chats folder.

How to View Your Locked Chats on iPhone

1. Go to the Chats tab and swipe down.

2. Tap the Locked chats folder.

3. Confirm your Face ID.

4. Tap the chat to view or send a message.

You can turn off chat lock in the chat’s info.

How to Turn Off Chat Lock on iPhone

You can turn off chat lock in the chat’s info. Here's how to do it:

1. Tap chat info > Chat lock.

2. Toggle off and confirm your Face ID.

How to Turn On WhatsApp Chat Lock on Computer 

1. Tap chat info > Chat lock.

2. Tap Lock this chat with fingerprint or Lock This Chat with Face ID.

3. Tap View to see the chat in the Locked chats folder. You can view your locked chats in the Locked chats folder.

How To View Your Locked Chats on Computer:

1. Go to the Chats tab and swipe down.

2. Tap the Locked chats folder.

3. Confirm your Face ID or touch the fingerprint sensor to unlock.

4. Tap the chat to view or send a message.

How To Turn Off WhatsApp Chat Lock on Computer

You can turn off chat lock in the chat’s info. Here's how to do it: 

1. Tap chat info > Chat lock.

2. Toggle off and confirm your fingerprint or Face ID.

How to Turn On Chat Lock On Web and Desktop

1. Tap chat info > Chat lock.

2. Tap Lock this chat with fingerprint or Lock This Chat with Face ID.

3. Tap View to see the chat in the Locked chats folder. You can view your locked chats in the Locked chats folder.

How to View Your Locked Chats On Web and Desktop

1. Go to the Chats tab and swipe down.

2. Tap the Locked chats folder.

3. Confirm your 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 On Web and Desktop

You can turn off chat lock in the chat’s info. Here's how to do it: 

1. Tap chat info > Chat lock.

2. Toggle off and confirm your fingerprint or Face ID. 

It's important to note that locking a chat does not hide it from the main chat list or from notifications, so anyone with access to your phone will still be able to see the chat, but they won't be able to access it without the password.

Advantages of Turning On Lock Chats on Your WhatsApp

The lock chats feature on WhatsApp offers many advantages that make chatting more secure and private. 

With lock chats, you have the ability to hide your most sensitive conversations behind a password or fingerprint lock, preventing anyone else from accessing them. This is especially useful if you share your phone with others or if you leave your phone unattended in public places. 

Another advantage is that the lock chats feature allows you to keep your private conversations separate from your regular chats, making it easier to find and access important information without having to scroll through all of your conversations. 

This feature also gives you the option to automatically lock your chat after a certain amount of time, so you never forget to lock it. 

Overall, lock chats is a great addition to Whatsapp, providing users with a sense of privacy and security that was previously unavailable.

Disadvantages of Turning On Lock Chats On Your WhatsApp

While the lock chats feature has been designed to provide users with added privacy and security, it may also have its disadvantages. 

One disadvantage of this feature is that it may cause users to forget their passwords or pin numbers, which could lead to them being locked out of their own chats. 

Another disadvantage is that while it may prevent third-party apps or hackers from accessing your messages, it may also prevent you from accessing them if you forget your password. 

Additionally, if you have multiple chats with different contacts that are locked, it may become difficult to remember the different passwords or pin numbers for each one. 

Finally, if you lose your phone or switch to a new device, and do not have a backup of your chats, you may lose access to your locked chats permanently.

CONCLUSION

I hope you found this ultimate guide on how to turn on lock chat, turn off and view locked chats helpful. Lock Chat is a great addition to WhatsApp's already impressive set of features, and provides users with an added layer of privacy and security when using the app. We've covered all the necessary steps to turn on the feature, what to consider before turning on lock chat, how to view locked chats, lock chat device compatibility, advantages of lock chat, disadvantages and how to turn off this feature. As always, I hope this guide has provided you with the information you need to make an informed decision about turning on the Lock Chats feature on your WhatsApp. If you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to reach out and let me know through the comment section below. Thank you for reading!