It is impressive to see that WhatsApp is always working on a variety of features to offer a better and more convenient experience without charging money. Apps like Telegram charge users to gain access to some of the exclusive features, but WhatsApp is still offering everything for free. The messaging app is set to get a major privacy feature, which will save you from privacy invaders.
A new Chat Lock feature has been spotted in the 2.23.8.2 Android beta update, which reveals that people will be able to add an additional layer of security to their private chats. According to the screenshots share by WaBetaInfo, WhatsApp users will be able to lock and even hide any chat in the app.
The option will reportedly be visible within the chat’s contact or group info. Once you decide to add a chat to the list of your locked chats, it will be hidden in a separate section on the app. Also, the locked chat will only be accessible using the owner’s fingerprint or passcode, as per the report.
The cited source says the new feature will be released in a future update. It didn’t provide an exact timeline for the launch, but we do know that the platform will roll it out once the test is successful and ready for everyone to use it. Currently, this feature is being tested on the Android version of WhatsApp.
It is worth pointing out that WhatsApp already lets you set a lock on the messaging app, but there is no option to add a passcode. With the addition of Chat Lock feature, one will be able to secure some private or important chats that they don’t want anyone to read. Though, it would become a bit annoying to unlock the chat every time you receive a message because this is something that happens with unlocking the WhatsApp app using the fingerprint option.
It is also important to note that enabling this privacy feature also hides messages from the notification panel and so, you won’t be able to read them by just sliding it down. WhatsApp has given the option to let you preview the messages even when fingerprint lock is enabled, but you will have to enable it manually. Though, there is then no point in enabling it, considering your messages will then be readable if anyone else has your smartphone for sometime.
