Last year, WhatsApp introduced the Chat Lock feature, which provides users the ability to conceal their chats in a secure folder accessible only through passcodes, fingerprints, or facial recognition. This initiative, launched by Meta, aims to enhance the app’s security and privacy measures. Recent reports indicate that the company is planning to extend the Chat Lock functionality to linked devices in a future update. The potential upgrade has been noted in the WhatsApp beta version 2.24.8.4 for Android.
According to WhatsApp features tracker WABetaInfo, there are developments underway regarding a locked chats feature for linked devices that will be included in forthcoming updates. The feature’s indication was found in the latest beta release, which can be accessed through the Google Play Beta program.
Currently, the locked chats feature remains unavailable for testers, but the report shared a preview of what to expect. Screenshots suggest that users will have the option to create secret codes to unlock conversations on their linked devices. The setup for these secret codes must be initiated from the primary device under the Chat Lock Settings using the Secret Code option.
Since its launch in May 2023, the Chat Lock feature has been exclusive to primary devices, providing users with greater control over both personal and group conversations. Notably, notifications from locked chats do not reveal the sender’s name or message previews. Users will find these conversations stored in a separate locked chat folder that requires authentication through a passcode, fingerprint, or face ID to access.
Meta’s development team is continuously working on new features for WhatsApp via its beta channel. Reports also suggest that they are working on enabling international payments through an in-app Unified Payments Interface (UPI) service. Additionally, a new feature is expected to allow Android users to adjust the upload quality of images and videos directly from the Settings menu.
