WhatsApp is rolling out a new update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.23.9.14.
What’s new in this update? WhatsApp is releasing a feature that allows users to lock chats, and it is available to some lucky beta testers!
| Common questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature? | Lock chat |
| Status? | Rolling out |
| Compatibility? | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.9.14 is marked as a compatible update. |
| I’ve installed this update but I don’t have this feature. Why? | This feature is available for some lucky beta testers, and it is rolling out to even more users over the coming weeks. |
| Thanks: | Sc, for testing and reporting! |
| Previous news? | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.9.13: what’s new? WhatsApp is working on an optional feature that allows users to share their status updates to Facebook Stories without leaving WhatsApp! |
LOCK CHAT
In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.8.2 update, we announced a new feature under development: the ability to lock chats. Thanks to this feature, it is needed to unlock the chat with your fingerprint in order to open it. This is definitely one of the most requested features by users, who needed an additional tool to protect and hide certain conversations. After installing the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.9.14 update from the Google Play Store, some lucky beta testers may be able to lock their chats!
As you can see in this screenshot, you need to open chat info to discover if the feature is enabled. In particular, some lucky beta testers may see a new option called “Chat lock”. When enabled, a new section called “Locked chats” will appear within your chat list and you can open this section by unlocking it with your fingerprint.
Once a chat is locked, it can only be accessed using the user’s fingerprint, making it impossible for anyone else to open the chat. As an additional layer of privacy, this feature also ensures that media files such as photos and videos sent in a locked chat are not automatically saved to the device’s gallery. To protect your privacy, a locked chat cannot be opened without a fingerprint or passcode. In addition, if someone tries to access your phone and fails to provide the necessary authentication, they will be prompted to clear the chat to open it.
The feature to lock chats is available for some lucky beta testers and it is rolling out to even more people over the coming weeks. Please, keep your version of WhatsApp up to date in order to increase the chances of receiving this feature as soon as possible.
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