WhatsApp users can now use ‘secret code’ to protect sensitive chats

WhatsApp chats now have an extra privacy shield with new "Secret Codes" feature.

WhatsApp's new "Secret Code" feature makes private chats even more private. (Image: WhatsApp)

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WhatsApp has unveiled a new ‘Secret Code’ feature aimed at boosting user privacy around sensitive conversations. This builds on their existing Chat Lock tool which allows users to password-protect specific chats.

With Secret Code, users can now set a separate password from their phone’s lock code to access locked chats. This provides an extra layer of security if someone else gains access to your phone. Additionally, the Locked Chats folder can now be hidden entirely from the main chat list. The only way to access locked chats is by typing the secret code into WhatsApp’s search bar.

“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,” said Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg about the feature.

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The new feature also makes locking new chats quicker. Users can now long-press on any chat and instantly lock it without having to dig into settings.

The rollout begins this week and will reach all WhatsApp users globally over the coming months. It’s the latest in a string of privacy-focused updates as the Meta-owned app aims to reassure users. With chat privacy a hot topic, innovative tools like Secret Code could help WhatsApp stand out from the competition.

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