WhatsApp has announced a new tool called “Lock Chat” that allows users to improve their privacy by restricting a specific chat.
WhatsApp beta testers have stated that they can use this functionality to hide a specific chat without locking the entire application.
Furthermore, to protect users’ privacy, any photos or videos shared in a restricted conversation will not be automatically downloaded into the phone’s Gallery.
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How to enable ‘chat lock’
Users who want to try this feature can do so by visiting WhatsApp’s Play Store website and signing up for WhatsApp’s beta programme on the Play Store, but participation in the programme is extremely limited.
In order to enable the feature, beta testers must follow the steps below: Navigate to the WhatsApp contact’s profile page, Scroll down and click “Chat Lock.” Then select the “Lock this chat with fingerprint” option. This upgrade will be sent out to a larger set of people in the following weeks, and it is expected to be available to the broader public soon. However, as of this writing, the exact timeline has not been specified.
What are the capabilities of the new Lock Chat feature?
The new chat lock feature could eliminate the need to lock WhatsApp in order to conceal a few chats. This will give the flexibility to the users to keep specific chat.
The new feature allows users to add an extra layer of security to their private conversations. Once enabled, the feature requires users to authenticate their identity using biometric data (such as fingerprint or face recognition) before accessing their chats.
This ensures that even if someone else gains access to the user’s phone, they won’t be able to read their private messages without first unlocking the WhatsApp app.
This feature can be particularly useful for users who share their devices with others and want to keep their conversations private. Once the feature is enabled, users will need to authenticate themselves every time they want to access their chats, adding an extra level of protection to their conversations.
The chat lock feature can be toggled on or off at any time and is available on both iOS and Android devices.
One WhatsApp account to multiple devices feature
WhatsApp has also recently introduced a new feature that allows users to connect one account to multiple devices.
The feature, which is currently in beta testing, will allow users to use the same WhatsApp account across multiple devices without requiring a phone connection. This means that users will be able to use WhatsApp on their phones, tablet, and desktop simultaneously.
While the feature has received some positive feedback, it has also received criticism on Twitter due to privacy concerns. Some users worry that allowing multiple devices to access their WhatsApp accounts could lead to potential security breaches and compromise their personal information.