WhatsApp has introduced an update aimed at boosting user privacy, including the rollout of secret codes for protected chats. The feature, first announced in 2023 on the company’s blog, offers a dedicated password that is separate from the device’s lock screen. This password is designed to shield private conversations if a phone is accessed by someone else or if the device is shared. In practical terms, even if an attacker knows the device password, they would still be unable to read chats that are protected by this separate code.
The update also adds the option to hide the Private Chats folder from the main chat list. Users can reveal hidden conversations by entering the secret code in the search bar. For those who prefer not to hide their messages, chats can be kept in the general list by long-pressing and moving them into the closed category. This gives users flexibility in how they manage visibility within their WhatsApp experience.
Developers indicate that the feature is already being rolled out to a portion of users and will become available more broadly over time. The gradual adoption means some accounts will see the option sooner, while others will wait as the update propagates through devices and platforms. The overall aim is to provide stronger privacy controls without requiring users to change their existing chat habits or settings significantly.
Earlier reports suggested there would be changes to how user information is handled, with the possibility of making certain data temporary to further protect privacy. These moves reflect WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to give users more control over their personal communications while balancing ease of use and accessibility for those in Canada and the United States, as highlighted by official communications from the company.