WhatsApp Chat Lock — Complete Guide 2026
WhatsApp Chat Lock hides individual chats behind biometric authentication. Locked chats disappear from your main list until you unlock them with fingerprint or Face ID.
What is WhatsApp Chat Lock?
Chat Lock is a privacy feature that lets you hide specific chats behind biometric authentication. When enabled:
- The chat disappears from your main chat list
- Access requires fingerprint (Android) or Face ID/Touch ID (iPhone)
- Notifications show "New Message" without sender or content
- Works independently from archived chats
How to Lock a WhatsApp Chat — Step by Step
Android
- 1.Open the chat you want to lock
- 2.Tap the contact name at the top
- 3.Tap Chat Lock
- 4.Toggle Lock this chatON
- 5.Set up your fingerprint when prompted
iPhone
- 1.Open the chat you want to lock
- 2.Tap the contact name at the top
- 3.Tap Chat Lock
- 4.Toggle Lock this chatON
- 5.Set up Face ID or Touch ID when prompted
How to Access Locked Chats
After locking at least one chat, a new "Locked chats" folder appears at the top of your chat list. Tap it and authenticate with your fingerprint or Face ID to view locked conversations.
WhatsApp Secret Code for Chat Lock
For more privacy, set a Secret Code to access locked chats:
- Go to Settings→ Privacy
- Tap Chat Lock
- Tap Secret Code
- Enter a unique code (not your phone PIN)
- To access: type the code in the search bar
Warning:WhatsApp cannot recover forgotten Secret Codes. If you forget it, you will need to delete and re-lock the chat.
What Happens When You Lock a WhatsApp Chat?
Hidden from Main List
The chat disappears. Access only via Locked chats folder.
Private Notifications
Shows "New Message" only. No sender name or message content.
Still in Archive
The chat may still appear in Archived chats if enabled.
Backups Continue
Chat backups work normally with encryption.
Troubleshooting Chat Lock Issues
Chat Lock option not showing
Make sure your WhatsApp is updated. Chat Lock requires the latest version.
Fingerprint not working
Go to phone Settings → Security → Fingerprint and re-register your fingerprint.
Can't find locked chats
Look for the "Locked chats" folder at the very top of your chat list, above pinned chats.
Secret Code not working
There's no recovery option. If forgotten, you need to unlock manually the next time you open the chat.
FAQ: WhatsApp Chat Lock
Can I lock multiple chats?
Yes. Lock each chat individually. There's no limit on how many chats you can lock.
Does Chat Lock work on WhatsApp Web?
No. Locked chats are only accessible on your phone. They don't appear on WhatsApp Web or Desktop.
Can I lock group chats?
Yes. Group chats can be locked the same way as individual chats.