WhatsApp’s beta channel is testing a privacy upgrade in version 2.23.8 that gives users more control over individual chats by adding biometric protection. In practical terms, a single conversation can be locked and hidden behind a fingerprint or device passcode, creating a dedicated privacy layer for sensitive messages. With this feature, only the person who has access to the authorized device can open the chat, shielding it from others who might briefly glance at the screen.
A clear option to lock and hide a chat appears in the interface. When enabled, authentication is required before the chat content can be viewed, making it noticeably harder for someone nearby to peek at a conversation if the phone is unlocked for a moment. This aligns with a broader trend toward on-device privacy controls that do not rely solely on cloud-based or account-wide settings. In addition, blocked chats show up separately from the regular chat list, which helps prevent accidental exposure and keeps the messaging environment orderly. Media files sent within a blocked chat, such as photos and videos, will not automatically appear in the device’s photo gallery or media cache, further reducing local traces of the interaction. [citation: WABetaInfo] [citation: TechPortal]
The feature is expected to arrive with a future WhatsApp update. While a public release date has not been announced, the intent is to provide users with a straightforward, portable privacy option that does not require sweeping changes to accounts or devices. This capability may especially appeal to users who handle multiple conversations with higher privacy needs or who share devices in homes or small offices and want certain threads kept out of easy reach. [citation: WhatsApp News Digest]
In coverage from tech media, attention has also been given to how the beta runs on flagship devices and newer smartphones. Some observers see the potential for better privacy on premium models where biometric sensors are common, while others consider the broader implications for how chat data is managed on mobile platforms. The beta environment often previews such features before a staged rollout, allowing users to test workflows and share experiences. As with prior updates, turning on locked chats is a user choice, not a requirement for every conversation, preserving flexibility across different use cases. [citation: Tech Pulse Canada]
Historically, WhatsApp has explored privacy improvements through features like disappearing messages, screen lock options, and end-to-end encryption defaults. The addition of per-chat biometric protection adds another layer to this approach, giving users tangible options about where and how their messages are stored and accessed. For readers following the evolution of mobile privacy tools, this beta feature feels like a natural expansion of personal security practices into everyday conversations. Ongoing discussions in user forums and manufacturer blogs continue to shape expectations about how chat apps balance convenience with the protection of private data. [citation: Privacy Watch]
Overall, the WhatsApp beta release signals a move toward more granular privacy controls that can be turned on for individual chats. If adopted widely, the option to lock and hide specific conversations could become a standard tool for managing sensitive content on mobile devices. In the meantime, enthusiasts will watch how the feature performs during broader testing and when a wider public release is finally rolled out. [citation: Global Tech Review]