WhatsApp Introduces Secret Code Feature for Enhanced Chat Security
HIGHLIGHTS
- It’s an extra measure to safeguard private conversations on its network.
- Millions of WhatsApp users may now access secret code features.
- You can easily remove the Locked Chats folder from your list of conversations.
Meta’s WhatsApp unveiled an innovative ‘secret code’ feature on Thursday to fortify user privacy and security, adding an extra layer of protection to its existing ‘chat lock’ functionality introduced in May. This new feature empowers users to establish a unique password for unlocking their secured chats, ensuring their most private conversations remain confidential.
Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, expressed the significance of this update in a blog post, stating, “Rolling out secret code to Chat Lock on WhatsApp so you can protect your chats with a unique password. Now you can set your locked chats to only appear when you type the secret code in the search bar, so no one can unintentionally discover your most private conversations.”
WhatsApp’s official X (formerly Twitter account) teased the feature, saying, “What locked chats? There’s nothing to see here…soon you can hide your locked chats folder. Then reveal it by typing your secret code into the search bar.”
In a blog post, the messaging platform expressed its delight at the positive reception of the Chat Lock feature and hoped that adding the secret code would further enhance its utility for the community.
MUST READ: WhatsApp Voice Chat Feature: Here’s everything to know!
How Does the Secret Code Feature Work?
Introducing the secret code feature allows WhatsApp users to create a distinct password, separate from their device unlock code, providing an additional level of privacy for their locked chats. Users now have the flexibility to conceal the locked chats folder from their chat list or keep it visible, with access granted only by entering the secret code in the search bar.
To hide the locked chats folder, users can follow these steps:
- Open WhatsApp on your device.
- Navigate to the section displaying locked chats.
- Select the three dots option and activate the “Hide locked chats” feature.
- Establish a unique secret code to access the concealed locked chats.
Locked chats that are hidden will remain absent from the primary chat window. Users can enter the secret code within the search bar to temporarily unveil these hidden chats.
Enhancing Privacy with a Seamless User Experience
Locking a new chat is now streamlined, requiring a simple long-press action, eliminating the need to navigate chat settings. This feature ensures that locked chats are discreet, no longer appear in the primary chat window, and grants users heightened privacy compared to the existing WhatsApp design, which reveals a locked chat shortcut when swiping down on the chat screen.
As of the recent update, WhatsApp has commenced the rollout of the secret code feature, with availability expected for global users in the coming days. This enhancement is a testament to WhatsApp’s commitment to continuously improve user security and privacy, providing a more robust and customizable experience for its diverse user base.
Other Whatsapp Features:
The ability to share one’s screen during video calls, schedule events, use multiple WhatsApp accounts on the same device, use the same account across devices, edit media captions and messages, voice chat, email logins, an AI-powered chatbot, and much more have all been unveiled by WhatsApp during the past year.
In conclusion, introducing the secret code feature represents a significant stride towards fortifying user privacy on WhatsApp, offering users greater control over the visibility and accessibility of their locked chats. As we await the global rollout, users can look forward to a more secure and personalized messaging experience on the popular instant messaging platform. Stay tuned for more updates and features from WhatsApp as it continues to evolve in response to user needs and preferences.
RELATED: Reddit might go public once again in the first quarter of 2024
