Unlocking security: WhatsApp rolls out secret codes for private chat protection
WhatsApp boosts chat lock security with secret codes, hiding private chats. Now, your conversations are tucked away in a special folder, accessible only with your phone password or biometrics.
emerging tech
Highlights
- WhatsApp introduces secret codes for added security, protecting private chats with a separate password
- Easily secure chats with a long-press, three dots, and the new "Lock Chat" option
- Personalise security with emojis in secret codes for a unique touch
In a bid to boost security, WhatsApp introduced secret codes to its Chat Lock tool, providing an extra layer of privacy for users who share devices. Currently, Chat Lock segregates conversations into a dedicated folder accessible only through the phone's password or biometric login.
While this is helpful, it doesn't prevent others with the password from accessing the chats. Secret codes address this by allowing users to set a separate password, making the locked folder disappear for added confidentiality.
In fact, secret codes act as a second password distinct from the phone's unlock credentials. Creating this additional code causes the locked folder to vanish from the inbox, ensuring heightened security. To retrieve hidden chats, users simply type the recently created code into the search bar on the main page. The flexibility is retained, and users can choose whether they want the locked folder to remain hidden or not.
what locked chats? nothing to see here…
— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) November 30, 2023
soon you can hide your locked chats folder. then reveal it by typing your secret code into the search bar 🔎 pic.twitter.com/PMwMykBHJY
Simplified chat lock process
WhatsApp streamlines the chat locking process, making it more user-friendly. Users can now long-press a conversation, tap the three dots in the upper right corner, and choose "Lock Chat" from the drop-down menu. This simplification ensures quick and easy, secure chat management.
Personalised security with emoji codes
Adding a touch of creativity, WhatsApp allows users to use emojis in their secret codes alongside numbers, letters, and punctuation marks. Interestingly, the password can be as short as four characters or even a single emoji. This personalised touch enables users to tailor their security codes, making them both unique and easy to remember.
Availability of the update
Please note that this update is currently exclusive to WhatsApp on mobile, with no indication of these features extending to the desktop. Secret codes are rolling out globally and will be available in the coming months.
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