A new WhatsApp feature, 'locked chats', has ignited debate after a podcast revealed it could be used to hide conversations. The feature allows users to lock specific chats behind a passcode, Face ID, or fingerprint, making them invisible even in the search bar unless the correct code is entered.
On the @clipsnbinge TikTok account, hosts from the 'Sisters In The City' podcast warned that the feature could enable infidelity. One host explained that a user can set a secret code, such as three hearts, and the locked chats only appear when that code is typed into the search field. She stated, 'Someone could cheat on you and you could absolutely never know.'
WhatsApp's help centre confirms that locked chats are stored in a separate folder and require device authentication to access. If the code is forgotten, users can 'clear everything', but snooping partners would remain unaware of the hidden conversations. The podcast host expressed relief at being single, saying the knowledge 'might have driven me insane'.
Social media users reacted with mixed opinions. Some saw it as a tool for cheating, while others noted its potential for protecting victims in abusive relationships. One user suggested a way to detect if a partner has locked chats: by attempting to lock a random chat and observing if the option appears above the archive. If not, it indicates locked chats are already in use.
A WhatsApp spokesperson stated the company is 'trying to find new ways to help keep your messages private and secure'. The feature is part of ongoing efforts to enhance user privacy, though it has raised concerns about trust in relationships.
