WhatsApp Unveils Secret Code Functionality for Securing Chats on iOS and Android Devices

WhatsApp introduces the Secret Code feature, an extension of the Chat Lock functionality, allowing users to conceal locked chats behind a secret passcode. This enhancement empowers users to safeguard private conversations, fortifying privacy measures on the messaging platform.

Extension of Chat Lock Feature:

WhatsApp's Chat Lock, announced earlier, now expands to include a Secret Code feature, enabling users to shield locked chats with an additional layer of security. By employing a secret code, users can obscure sensitive conversations from unauthorized access.

Multi-Layered Privacy Shield:

Users have the flexibility to safeguard chats using various security measures like phone PINs, passcodes, facial recognition, or fingerprints. The Secret Code feature further bolsters security by concealing locked chats from plain view on the main chat list.

Utilizing the Secret Code Feature:

Setting up the Secret Code:

Accessing the list of locked chats, users can navigate to Chat lock settings via the three-dot menu, enabling them to toggle Hide locked chats and establish a personalized secret code for enhanced privacy. This action renders locked chats invisible in the primary chat window.

Revealing Locked Chats:

To reveal locked chats, users must enter the same secret code in the app's search bar, enabling access to conversations secured by the WhatsApp's Chat Lock feature. However, this access remains until the app is exited, ensuring temporary visibility of protected chats.

Managing Secret Code Functionality:

Reverting to Original Settings:

In scenarios where concealing chats is unnecessary, users can revert to the original Chat Lock feature. By accessing locked chats with the secret code, users can navigate to Chat lock settings, disabling the Hide locked chats feature through the three-dot menu.

Ease of Chat Lock Activation:

WhatsApp streamlines chat locking by allowing users to lock a chat through a simple long-press action, providing a convenient and swift method to secure conversations. The Secret Code feature is progressively rolling out to users globally in the upcoming months.

Key Features 

• Users can select a chat and lock it behind a password or a phrase.

• Hidden chats will not be visible in the main chat list and can only be accessed when the secret code is entered.

• To reveal locked chats, enter the secret code in the search bar.

• Chats remain hidden until the app is exited.

• Users can long press a chat to lock it without entering individual chat settings.

• The feature is rolling out globally and will be available to all users in the coming months.

WhatsApp's 2023 updates

1. New Privacy Features: WhatsApp has introduced several new privacy features in 2023, including the ability to silence unknown callers, hide your online presence, and create reminders to leave disappearing messages groups. These features give users more control over their privacy and help them protect their sensitive information.

2. Instant Video Messages: WhatsApp has launched a new feature called Instant Video Messages, which allows users to record and send short video clips directly within chats. This feature is similar to Instagram Stories and Snapchat Lenses, and it adds a new way for users to communicate with each other.

3. Edit Messages: WhatsApp has finally introduced the ability to edit messages after they have been sent. This is a long-awaited feature that users have been requesting for years, and it will be a welcome addition for anyone who has ever accidentally sent a typo or a wrong message.

4. Screen Sharing: WhatsApp has released a new screen sharing feature that allows users to share their phone screens with each other during video calls. This feature is useful for collaborative work, presentations, and sharing product demos.

5. Communities: WhatsApp has launched a new feature called Communities, which allows users to create groups with up to 5,000 members. Communities are designed for larger groups of people who share common interests, such as schools, businesses, and religious organizations.

6. WhatsApp for Mac with Group Calling: WhatsApp has released a new version of its Mac app that supports group calling. This means that users can now make and receive group calls from their desktop computers, which is a great addition for people who work from home or who use their Macs for work.

Overall, WhatsApp has released a number of significant updates in 2023 that have improved the app's functionality and privacy. These updates have made WhatsApp a more versatile and useful communication tool for its billions of users around the world.