Find Out What Changed in the New WhatsApp Update: You Can Now Put a Lock on Your Chat

May 16, 2023
WhatsApp is one of the applications that most cares about your privacy. Before we go to see the new WhatsApp update, let’s take a look together at another feature that allows you to protect your information. The app lock feature is the option you need. This Feature adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a passcode or biometric authentication before accessing WhatsApp.
WhatsApp’s app lock feature allows users to secure their private conversations and prevent unauthorized access, giving them peace of mind. Whether you’re concerned about prying eyes or accidental taps on your phone, activating the app lock feature can help alleviate these concerns.
By configuring a passcode or using your device’s biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, you can ensure that only you have access to your WhatsApp conversations. Implementing the app lock feature on WhatsApp is a straightforward process.
- Open the application
- Navigate to the settings menu
- Locate the privacy or security section
- Here, you will find the option to enable app lock.
Once activated, you can customize the lock settings according to your preferences. Whether you prefer a passcode or biometric authentication, WhatsApp provides flexible options to suit your needs.
What is the New WhatsApp Update?
Let’s take a look to the new WhatsApp update. Chat Lock offers users an extra level of protection for their conversations by allowing them to activate a lock that prevents unauthorized access.
When the Chat Lock feature is enabled, the specific chat or group conversation is not only removed from the main chat list but also hidden within a dedicated folder, making it discreet and inaccessible to prying eyes. Furthermore, the content of the locked chat is not displayed in notifications, ensuring an added layer of confidentiality.
One of the primary advantages of Chat Lock is its usefulness in scenarios where smartphones are shared within families or among close-knit groups. By applying the lock to sensitive conversations, users can prevent others from accidentally stumbling upon private information or messages intended solely for their eyes.
WhatsApp offers two methods for unlocking locked chats: password or biometric recognition. Users can choose to set a password or utilize biometric data, such as fingerprints or facial recognition, to gain access to the protected chats.
In the future, WhatsApp plans to introduce the option of setting a separate password specifically for unlocking the app, different from the one used to unlock the smartphone itself.
Introducing Chat Lock: An Added Level of Security
WhatsApp has long protected messages with end-to-end encryption, ensuring that even the company itself cannot read them. However, this technology becomes futile if the smartphone falls into the wrong hands after the owner has unlocked the device and launched the app.
To address this concern, WhatsApp has introduced Chat Lock, an additional layer of security. When users activate this feature, the conversation is removed from the main chat list and hidden within a dedicated folder. Furthermore, the chat content is not displayed in notifications either.
Benefits for Shared Smartphones
Chat Lock proves to be particularly useful in scenarios where smartphones are shared among family members. To apply the lock, users simply need to:
- tap on the name of an individual or group chat
- select the corresponding option (located alongside features for disappearing messages and common groups)
Password or Biometric Recognition
Users can use either a password or biometric recognition (fingerprint or face) to access locked chats. To unlock the chats, users can simply:
- scroll down the list
- enter the password or provide the required biometric data.
In the future, WhatsApp plans to allow users to set a different password specifically for unlocking the app. Separate from the one used to unlock the smartphone itself.
Gradual Availability on Android and iOS
Chat Lock will be gradually rolled out to users on both Android and iOS platforms. It is important to note that this feature is not yet available in Italy but will likely be introduced in the near future.
Conclusion
With the introduction of Chat Lock, WhatsApp takes a step further in enhancing user privacy and security. Providing an additional layer of protection against unauthorized access. This feature offers peace of mind to users who share their smartphones with others.
Whether using a password or biometric recognition, WhatsApp ensures that conversations remain private and secure. Stay tuned for the availability of Chat Lock in Italy and enjoy the added level of privacy on your favorite messaging app.