WhatsApp is reportedly testing a new privacy feature in its beta version for Android, allowing users to lock chats on linked devices.
Although the Chat Lock feature has been available on the Meta-owned messaging platform since 2023, it has been limited to primary devices. This feature may soon be extended to linked devices, such as WhatsApp Web. The Chat Lock feature lets users hide chats using a passcode or biometric authentication.
According to WABetaInfo, a platform that tracks WhatsApp updates, the latest beta version of WhatsApp for Android (version 2.24.11.9) includes the chat lock feature for linked devices.
Users will be required to enter a secret code on their primary device to unlock chats on linked devices. Once the code is set, locked chats will disappear from the linked device and will only be accessible in the locked chat section.
The Chat Lock feature provides an additional layer of privacy by hiding conversations from the main chats tab. To access locked chats, users need to swipe down and enter their password.
Currently, this feature is only supported on primary devices. There is no official release date for the stable version of this feature, but it is expected to be available for both iOS and Android users after beta testing is complete.
