WhatsApp introduced a Chat Lock feature to make conversations more private.
The feature works for iPhones and high-end and budget Android phones.
The feature however had a smag;
The ‘Locked Chats’ folder appears at the top of the chat list, making it obvious that you have conversations locked away.
To resolve this, WhatsApp offers a Secret Code feature to make locked chats less obvious.
How the Secret Code works
1. WhatsApp’s Secret Code lets you set a unique password for the locked chat folder.
This improves the privacy of your locked chats.
2. The feature also gives the option to hide the Locked Chats folder from your chat list.
After activating this, you’ll type the Secret Code in your search bar to find your locked chats.
If you get the code wrong or someone tries to access your locked chats without knowing the code, your locked chats remain hidden.
How to set up the Secret Code
Before you can set up a Secret Code, you need to lock your chats on WhatsApp.
After that’s done, here’s how to set up the code:
- Launch WhatsApp and open the Locked Chats folder.
- Tap the overflow menu (the three vertical dots) in the upper-right corner of the page.
- Select Chat lock settings.
- Tap Secret code.
- Enter a code. It may include letters or emojis. Make sure it is something you can easily and always remember.
- Tap ‘Next’ and re enter your secret code.
- If you enter the correct code the second time, you will receive a pop up message, “Secret codes match,”
- Click ‘Done’
Your Secret Code is now set up.
To view your locked chats, enter your Secret Code in the Chats tab.
How To Hide Locked Chats
You can also choose to hide your locked chats from the chat list. To do this,
- go back to the Chat lock settings page
- tap the toggle next to ‘Hide locked chats’
What if you forget your Secret Code?
WhatsApp recommends choosing a memorable Secret Code so that you don’t forget it.
However, if this happens, you can unlock and clear your locked chats to unlock them.
To do this, go to Settings > Privacy > Chat lock > Unlock and clear locked chats.
Pros And Cons
WhatsApp’s Secret Code feature provides an extra layer of privacy and security for chats.
However, it has a few downsides
- You have to enter the code each time you want to view the locked chats. Accessing locked chats may become cumbersome if you frequently have to access your locked chats folder.
If you forget your Secret Code, you will have to clear all your locked chats to access the chat window. This means all the backed up data will be lost.
