WhatsApp has rolled out a new security feature in its Android beta that allows users to block secret chats with a password. This capability is currently accessible to members of the messaging app’s beta testing program, according to WABetaInfo, a long-running source for WhatsApp development news.
The ability to lock chats behind a password was uncovered in the beta release of WhatsApp for Android, version 2.23.24.20. In this version, a dedicated setting appears that lets users hide conversations and assign a protective password specifically for those chats. The presence of this option signals a broader shift toward giving individuals more granular control over who can view sensitive messages in a direct way, separate from the phone’s own unlock mechanism.
An important detail is that the password used for secret chats can be distinct from the device unlock code. Users also have the option to use biometric verification, such as face recognition or a fingerprint reader, to access hidden conversations. This adds a layered approach to privacy, ensuring that even if someone knows the phone’s main password, accessing the protected chats still requires a separate authentication step.
WABetaInfo notes that this enhancement can meaningfully raise the level of data protection for WhatsApp users. By decoupling chat access from the phone’s primary security, it becomes harder for an attacker who gains access to the device to view private messages without the additional password challenge. This separation is particularly valuable when the phone also houses other accounts or sensitive information.
Another point covered by the beta findings is how hidden chats behave across devices. If a user stores chats in a hidden state on one device, those conversations will still be discoverable on other linked or connected devices. This behavior means users should be mindful of how their encrypted chats are synchronized and what visibility is retained across the ecosystem of WhatsApp installations they use.
At present, the new secret-chat password feature is confined to Android users enrolled in the beta program and can be downloaded through Google Play. WhatsApp has not announced a timeline for rolling this feature out to the stable production version, so general availability remains unclear at this stage. Observers will likely watch closely for any changes to how this feature interacts with existing privacy controls and multi-device synchronization in the wider app.
Historically, WhatsApp has introduced various tools designed to improve privacy and data control. For example, the platform has previously offered date-based search within chats, enabling users to locate messages by the date they were sent. Such capabilities illustrate WhatsApp’s ongoing emphasis on making conversations easier to manage while reinforcing safeguards around personal information.
In summary, the password-protected secret chats on Android add a new option for safeguarding sensitive conversations. The feature emphasizes the importance of separate authentication for confidential messages, supports biometric access, and highlights considerations for cross-device visibility. As the beta unfolds and potential stable releases approach, users will gain clearer guidance on setup, usage, and any limitations that accompany this enhanced privacy layer.