WhatsApp is rolling out a new update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.23.24.20.
What’s new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out a secret code feature for locked chats, and it’s available to some beta testers!
| Common questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature? | Secret code – locked chats |
| Status? | Rolling out |
| Compatibility? | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.24.20 is marked as a compatible update, but some users may be able to get the same feature by installing the previous 2.23.24.19 update. |
| I’ve installed this update but I don’t have this feature. Why? | This feature is available to some beta testers, and it’s rolling out to more people over the coming weeks. |
| Thanks: | Akan, iamSANDESH, and Jit Dutta, for testing and reporting! |
| Previous news? | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.24.19: what’s new? WhatsApp is rolling out a new feature to share stickers in channels! |
SECRET CODE
In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.21.9 update, we announced new important improvements regarding locked chats. Specifically, WhatsApp had plans to bring a secret code feature to locked chats, aimed to better hide them from the chat list while offering an alternative and more private method to access the list of locked conversations. After installing the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.24.20 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that the secret code feature for locked chats is finally available to some beta testers!
As you can see in this screenshot, a new settings section may be available within the list of your locked chats, and it provides users with the option to hide the entry point to open locked chats. Specifically, after configuring a secret code, the entry point to view locked chats will no longer appear in the chat list. Instead, users can access these chats by entering the secret code into the search bar within the Chats tab. It’s important to note that some beta testers may also be able to get another feature that allows them to quickly clear the list of their locked chats right within their privacy settings. This feature is designed in case a user forgets their secret code and encounters difficulty accessing their locked chats.
In our opinion, users gain enhanced privacy by removing the entry point to the locked chats list, Others won’t be able to easily identify or access the conversations that are locked. This ensures that others can’t easily identify or access these secured conversations, effectively preventing accidental or unauthorized entry into sensitive discussions. With the locked chats list hidden, even if someone gains physical access to a user’s phone, they won’t be able to see your sensitive conversations. This is important for safeguarding sensitive or personal information from prying eyes. In addition, hiding the list of locked conversations helps prevent exposure, since anyone could understand that there may be some locked chats. The implementation of the secret code feature ensures that the locked chats list is only visible when the correct code is entered into the search bar.
The secret code feature for locked chats is available to some beta testers who install the latest WhatsApp beta for Android updates from the Google Play Store, and it is rolling out to even more people over the coming weeks.
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