WhatsApp is adding another layer of security — Chat Lock. The Meta-owned instant messaging app has launched a new feature called Chat Lock which allows users to further safeguard their intimate chats behind one more layer of security. “Our passion is to find new ways to help keep your messages private and secure. Today, we’re excited to bring to you a new feature we’re calling Chat Lock, which lets you protect your most intimate conversations behind one more layer of security,” said the company in a statement. Chat Lock joins WhatsApp’s growing list of privacy features that users can take advantage of including end-to-end encryption and encrypted backups, disappearing messages, screenshot blocking, controls over who can see when you were last online and more.
How Chat Lock works
Chat Lock feature allows users to protect their individual chats with a password and secure them in a separate folder. When someone messages you and you have that chat locked, the sender’s name and the content of the message will also be hidden. Locking a chat takes that thread out of the inbox and puts it behind its own folder that can only be accessed with your device password or biometric, like a fingerprint. It also automatically hides the contents of that chat in notifications too.
Users can lock a chat by tapping the name of a one-to-one or group and selecting the lock option. To reveal these chats, slowly pull down on your inbox and enter your phone password or biometric. Three ways users can lock their chats with Chat Lock are:
* Face unlock
* Pin/passcode
* Fingerprint
“We think this feature will be great for people who have reason to share their phones from time to time with a family member or those moments where someone else is holding your phone at the exact moment an extra special chat arrives,” the statement added.

Chat Lock to get more features in the coming days
WhatsApp further added that over the next few months the company will be adding more options for Chat Lock, including locking for companion devices, creating a custom password for your chats so that users can use a unique password different from their phone’s.