WhatsApp is working on a new feature called “secret codes” for locked chats. This feature allows users to set a customised password for their locked chats, which can then be used to search for and access those chats quickly and easily.
According to WABetaInfo, the chat company will add the ability to create secret codes for protected chat folders. It will enable users to easily locate locked chats even through the app’s search bar, thus, streamlining the process of accessing locked chats conversations with ease.
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This ability will reportedly also extend to companion devices, addressing a longstanding concern among users. In the past, some users were frustrated by the incomplete support for locked chats on companion devices, as certain devices lacked the necessary authentication feature. According to the report, the introduction of the secret code feature will resolve this issue, allowing users to sync chat locks seamlessly across all their linked devices.
WhatsApp has yet to announce the exact release date of this feature, but it is expected to be included in a future app update. WhatsApp allows you to turn on the chat lock feature to password-protect the most personal chats. These chats can be accessed by unlocking the chats using device authentication, such as phone passcode, Face ID or fingerprint. These chats are kept separate from your other chats in a Locked chats folder.
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When you lock your chats on WhatsApp, the content of your messages and the name of the person who sent them will be hidden in your notifications. Instead of showing the message or the sender’s name, your notification will simply say something like “WhatsApp: 1 new message.”
However, to save pictures or videos from locked chats to your phone’s gallery, you’ll need to turn off the chat lock temporarily. You can also lock group chats and chats that you’ve muted if you want to keep them more private.
Locking a chat won’t affect your incoming calls. If someone from a locked chat calls you, the call will still show up as usual.
To use the secret code feature, users must first enable the “Chat Lock” feature in WhatsApp’s settings. Once enabled, users can lock their chats using their fingerprint or FaceID.
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