WhatsApp takes privacy a step further by testing a way to completely hide locked chats on Android

2 min readUpdated Jun 4, 2025Oct 24, 20235:31 AM

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WhatsApp is rolling out a new update through the Google Play Beta Program that includes a new feature to hide locked chats. The feature is currently in development, but it is expected to be available to all users in a future update.

WhatsApp officially rolled out the Chat Lock feature back in May as a way to keep your most sensitive conversations private. When you lock a chat, it will be protected by a password or biometric authentication. This means that only you will be able to open and read the chat, even if someone else has access to your phone.

However, as spotted by WaBetaInfo, WhatsApp is now taking this one step further by adding a new feature to hide these locked chats altogether, which will make it even more difficult for someone to access them. This addition is now live on the latest WhatsApp beta for Android, version 2.23.22.9.

Without the feature enabled, anyone with access to your phone could still be able to see that you have locked chats and may be able to guess the password or biometric authentication. However, when the feature enabled, the list of locked chats is completely removed from the chat list, making it almost impossible for someone to even know that you have locked chats without having your secret code.

The option to turn this feature on is accessible within the app’s settings, with a clear “Hide locked chats” toggle in the Chat lock settings section. Once turned on, users will need to enter their secret code into the search bar to unlock the locked chat list.

This new feature will improve user privacy by making it more difficult for anyone with access to the phone to even realize that locked chats exist. This is especially important for users who have sensitive or confidential conversations that they want to keep hidden from prying eyes.

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Questions & Answers

Is this new feature available to all WhatsApp users right now?

No, this feature is currently in development and being tested through the Google Play Beta Program. It is expected to be available to all users in a future update, but not yet.

How do users access their hidden locked chats once the new feature is enabled?

Once the feature is enabled and locked chats are hidden, users will need to enter their secret code into the search bar within the app. This action will then unlock the hidden chat list for viewing.

What is the primary privacy benefit of hiding locked chats compared to just having them locked?

Hiding locked chats completely removes them from the chat list, making it almost impossible for someone to know they exist without a secret code. This is a step beyond merely protecting them with a password.

Where can users find the option to enable the feature to hide locked chats?

The option to turn this feature on is accessible within the app’s settings. Users will find a clear "Hide locked chats" toggle in the Chat lock settings section.

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