Privacy is very important, especially when your phone is used by friends, family, or colleagues. WhatsApp offers built-in options to lock chats so that your personal conversations stay protected. In this guide, you will learn how to lock WhatsApp chats step by step on both Android and iPhone.
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What Does Locking a WhatsApp Chat Mean
Locking a WhatsApp chat means adding an extra security layer to specific conversations. When a chat is locked, it can only be opened using fingerprint, Face ID, or phone passcode. Locked chats are also hidden from the main chat list, which adds more privacy.
Why You Should Lock WhatsApp Chats
People lock WhatsApp chats for many reasons:
- To protect private messages
- To stop others from reading chats without permission
- To keep work or personal chats separate
- To secure sensitive conversations
If privacy matters to you, chat lock is a very useful feature.
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How to Lock WhatsApp Chat on Android
Follow these simple steps:
- Open WhatsApp on your Android phone
- Open the chat you want to lock
- Tap the contact name at the top
- Select Chat lock
- Turn on Lock this chat with fingerprint
- Confirm your fingerprint
Once enabled, the chat will move to a locked chats folder.
How to Lock WhatsApp Chat on iPhone
On iPhone, the steps are slightly different:
- Open WhatsApp
- Open the chat you want to lock
- Tap the contact or group name
- Tap Chat Lock
- Enable Lock this chat with Face ID or Touch ID
- Authenticate using Face ID or Touch ID
The chat will now be hidden and secured.
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Where Do Locked Chats Go in WhatsApp
Locked chats do not appear in your regular chat list.
- On Android, swipe down on the chat list to see Locked Chats
- On iPhone, locked chats appear at the top after Face ID verification
Only you can access them.
How to Unlock or Remove Chat Lock
If you want to remove the lock later:
- Open the locked chat using biometric verification
- Tap the contact name
- Turn off Chat lock
- Confirm your fingerprint or Face ID
The chat will return to the normal chat list.
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Can You Lock WhatsApp Chats Without Fingerprint or Face ID
WhatsApp uses your phone’s built-in security system. If your phone does not support fingerprint or Face ID, you will need to set a screen lock first. Without a phone lock, chat locking will not work.
Difference Between Chat Lock and WhatsApp App Lock
Many users confuse these two features:
- Chat Lock secures only selected chats
- App Lock locks the entire WhatsApp app
You can use both together for maximum privacy.
Tips to Keep WhatsApp Chats More Secure
- Enable two-step verification
- Keep WhatsApp updated
- Do not share OTPs
- Lock sensitive chats instead of deleting them
These small steps improve overall security.
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Final Thoughts
Locking WhatsApp chats is one of the best ways to protect your private conversations. The feature is easy to use, works smoothly on both Android and iPhone, and does not require any third-party apps. If privacy is important to you, enabling chat lock is highly recommended.