WhatsApp has unveiled an exciting new feature called Chat Lock, designed to provide an additional layer of protection by allowing users to safeguard their most intimate conversations within a secure folder, accessible only through the user’s device password or biometric authentication.

The company made the announcement today (May 15) on the company’s blog.

By locking a chat, users can effectively remove it from their inbox, keeping it hidden behind a dedicated folder that ensures utmost privacy. Not only does this feature shield the contents of the chat from prying eyes, but it also automatically conceals chat notifications, ensuring discreet communication.

The introduction of Chat Lock aims to cater to individuals who occasionally share their phones with family members or find themselves in situations where others may handle their device precisely when an important or sensitive conversation arrives.

By tapping on the name of a one-to-one or group chat and selecting the lock option, users can effortlessly secure their conversations. To access locked chats, users need to slowly pull down on their inbox and enter their device password or provide biometric authentication.

WhatsApp plans to enhance the Chat Lock feature in the coming months by introducing additional options. Among the upcoming additions are the ability to lock chats on companion devices and the option to create a custom password exclusively for chats, allowing users to have a unique password different from their device’s main password.

The feature is currently live and will become available to Jamaica in an upcoming update.

Check out the video below: