WhatsApp has just submitted a new update through the TestFlight beta Program, bringing the version up to 23.9.0.71. The version marked within WhatsApp Settings is 2.23.9.71 and the TestFlight build is 23.9.0 (470840121).
What’s new in this update? WhatsApp is releasing a feature that allows users to lock chats, and it is available to some beta testers!
| Common questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature? | Lock chat |
| Status? | Rolling out |
| Compatibility? | WhatsApp beta for iOS 23.9.0.71 is marked as a compatible update, but some users may be able to get the same feature after installing certain previous updates, even the ones from the App Store. |
| I have the same version but I don’t have this feature, why? | This feature is available to some beta testers, and it is rolling out to more people over the coming weeks. |
| Thanks: | Eloy, Spencer, SiLent, FastenM, Siddy, Youssef, ubeyd74x, and Javi Ramos, for testing and reporting. |
| Previous news? | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.9.23: what’s new? WhatsApp is working on campaign messages as a new business feature |
723 days, 14 hours, 49 minutes and 32 seconds ago
Check out TestFlight or Twitter to discover when it's available.
LOCK CHAT
In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.9.14 update, we announced a new feature released to some beta testers: the ability to lock chats. With this feature, Face ID or Touch ID is needed to unlock the chat, otherwise, you won’t be able to open it. In the past years, a lot of users requested this feature as they needed a new tool to protect and hide certain chats. After installing the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS 23.9.0.71 available on the TestFlight app, we discovered that this feature is now available to some beta testers!
As you can see in this screenshot, you need to open chat info to discover if the feature is enabled for your account. After locking a chat, it will be listed within a new section called “Locked Chats”, and you need to use Face ID or Touch ID to open it. Note that, as an additional layer of privacy, notifications for locked chats are received without the author and message preview. In addition, media is not auto-saved to the phone’s gallery to keep locked chats even more private.
The feature to lock chats on WhatsApp by using the Face ID or Touch ID helps users prevent others from accessing their private conversations when someone else uses their phones. In fact, this feature ensures that sensitive information and personal data always remain secure, even if someone else has your phone, giving you better control over your conversation.
The feature to lock chats is now available to some beta testers and it is rolling out to even more people over the coming weeks. As mentioned in the article about the Android version, you should keep your version of WhatsApp up to date to increase the chances of receiving this feature sooner.
Stay up-to-date on WhatsApp news by following WABetaInfo on Twitter. You can also discover other new features for WhatsApp beta for Android, iOS, Web/Desktop, and Windows.
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