WhatsApp users might soon be able to lock individual chats

Ever wanted to lock individual chats and media on WhatsApp? The instant messaging platform's upcoming 'Lock Chat' feature might let you do just that.

WhatsApp lock chats | WhatsApp private chats | WhatsApp

The new feature might come in handy when using WhatsApp at work. (Image Source: Pixabay)

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WhatsApp is one of the few instant messaging platforms that introduces new features now and then. Even though the app lets users lock the app itself, it cannot lock individual chats. But that might soon change.

According to a recent report by WABetaInfo, WhatsApp developers are working on a new feature that might enable users to lock individual chats using fingerprint or passcodes. It looks like users will be able to view these locked chats in a separate section which might make it impossible for anyone without the passcode to view these chats.

In case someone tries to access your phone and fails the authentication process multiple times, then they will have to clear the chat if they want to open it. Apart from enhancing user privacy, the new feature can also help hide media shared with private chats by not saving it automatically to the device gallery.

Spotted on the latest version of WhatsApp Beta for Android (v2.23.8.2), it looks like the new functionality will be available in a future version of the app. Last month, WhatsApp rolled out several new features like call link for the Windows version of the app, a split view interface for Android tablets, the ability to approve new group participants, post voice notes as status updates and more.