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WhatsApp is very strict on its safety and security policies, such as using end-to-end encryption to keep messages secure. But for sensitive conversations, you might want to add on an extra layer of security to keep specific chats away from prying eyes.
It’s been possible to hide chats in WhatsApp by using the archive feature to temporarily move them to the archive tab for a while now. But how can you hide chats without using the archive feature? Meet WhatsApp’s new Locked Chats feature.
Let’s take a look at how you can hide and unhide chats in WhatsApp, why you might want to use this feature, and how businesses can effectively handle multiple chats within the WhatsApp Business app.
Why would you need to hide and unhide chats in WhatsApp?
The most obvious answer is: because you want to make sure that no one else reads through a particular chat in the WhatsApp app. These days most of us have a huge amount of personal information on our mobile phones, and there’s always a chance that phones may get lost, stolen or left unattended in an area where there are prying eyes.
You might want to protect a friend or relative’s confidentiality and add an extra layer of security to ensure that they feel comfortable talking to you over WhatsApp. Or you might want to make doubly sure that a colleague or client’s data is as safe as it can be within the app.
How to hide and unhide chat in WhatsApp without archiving them
If you don’t want to use the archive feature to hide WhatsApp chats, you can use the new chat lock feature.
What is the chat lock feature in WhatsApp and how does it work?
WhatsApp’s chat lock feature adds additional privacy to selected chats within the app. It’s available on Android phones and iPhones.
When it’s enabled, the chat lock feature displays as a folder called Locked Chats within your chat window. You can lock individual chats, group chats or muted chats. Your contacts won’t get a notification telling them that you’ve locked their chat.
The Locked Chats folder acts as a ‘vault’ which can only be opened using your choice of device authentication, such as a phone passcode, fingerprint, Face ID or a separate secret code set up for this purpose. If you choose to set up a separate secret code, you can also hide your Locked Chats folder until you type your secret code in the search bar.
Media, such as photos or videos, that are sent to locked chats won’t save to your phone’s gallery unless you turn the chat lock feature off for that particular chat. Your notifications will also display differently for locked chats in comparison to unlocked chats. When you get a notification from a locked chat, the content and contact name will be hidden, so it will display as ‘WhatsApp: 1 new message’.
There are a few caveats – firstly, calls aren’t locked at all, so if a locked chat contact or a locked group chat contact calls you on WhatsApp it will display as usual on your phone. Secondly, the feature doesn’t sync across all devices, so if you have linked devices set up (such as a computer or iPad), the chats on those devices won’t be locked and will appear as usual in your chat window.
How to use the chat lock feature in WhatsApp on an Android device
To use the chat lock feature in WhatsApp, you’ll need to set up a method of authentication for your device (if you haven’t already done this). This could be a passcode, fingerprint or Face ID.
How to turn on chat lock on Android devices
- Open the WhatsApp app.
- Find the chat you want to lock, then long press on it.
- Choose More Options, then Lock Chat.
- Choose Lock This Chat With Fingerprint and confirm your fingerprint.
How to create or change a secret code on Android devices
- Open the WhatsApp app.
- Open your Locked Chats folder, then go to Settings.
- Choose Secret Code, then Create Secret Code.
- Enter your new code when prompted, then choose Next.
- Confirm your secret code when prompted, then choose Done.
- To change your code at a later date, open your Locked Chats folder, then choose Locked Chats, then Settings, then Secret Code. Change your code when prompted.
- Once your secret code has been set, you can use it to view your Locked Chats folder when it’s hidden from your chat list view. To do this, enter your secret code into the Search bar.
How to hide your locked chats folder on Android devices
- Open the WhatsApp app.
- Open your Locked Chats folder, then choose Settings.
- From the Settings page, you can toggle Hide Locked Chats on or off.
How to use the chat lock feature in WhatsApp on an iPhone
How to turn on chat lock on an iPhone
- Open the WhatsApp app.
- Find the chat you want to lock, then long press on it.
- Choose More Options, then Lock Chat.
- Choose Lock This Chat With Face ID and confirm your Face ID.
How to create or change a secret code on an iPhone
- Open the WhatsApp app.
- Open your Locked Chats folder, then go to Settings.
- Choose Secret Code, then Create Secret Code.
- Enter your new code when prompted, then choose Next.
- Confirm your secret code when prompted, then choose Done.
- To change your code at a later date, open your Locked Chats folder, then choose Locked Chats, then Settings, then Secret Code. Change your code when prompted.
- Once your secret code has been set, you can use it to view your Locked Chats folder when it’s hidden from your chat list view. To do this, enter your secret code into the Search bar.
How to hide your locked chats folder on an iPhone
- Open the WhatsApp app.
- Open your Locked Chats folder, then choose Settings.
- From the Settings page, you can toggle Hide Locked Chats on or off.
Best practices for handling multiple chats in WhatsApp Business
Struggling to keep on top of all your chats in WhatsApp Messenger? Finding it difficult to separate out personal and professional chats when they’re all displayed in one long list within the app?
WhatsApp Business is the answer. This is a separate app which is specifically designed with the needs of small-to-medium business owners in mind. That’s why the app is packed with powerful tools that you can use to keep on top of lots of different chats effectively at the same time.
Try our top tips to help you stay organised and maximise the impact of your business comms strategy:
Use Labels to categorise chats
WhatsApp Business has a handy Labels tool to allow you to stay on top of your messages at a glance.
Use Labels to track customers through your sales funnel, monitor high-priority messages, or track sensitive messages such as pending payments or complaints.
Learn more about how to effectively use Labels in WhatsApp Business.
Set up Quick Replies for automatic messaging
Quick Replies are templated messages that you can fully customise to your business and use to speed up your reply time within WhatsApp Business.
By writing out replies to your most common FAQs ahead of time, you can save valuable time that you’d otherwise spend writing out the same response again and again, keep your spelling and grammar standards high, maintain a coherent tone of voice for your brand, and make sure that you customer service is always up to scratch.
Learn more about how to use Quick Replies in WhatsApp Business.
Make the most of WhatsApp Business on desktop
It can be confusing (not to mention distracting) to switch back and forth between a desktop computer and a mobile phone many times during the working day. Luckily, you can use WhatsApp Business for desktop to access the same synced chats that are available on your mobile device.
The benefits? Increased productivity due to less time spent switching between devices and a much more convenient experience when sharing documents, links or PDFs.
Learn more about how to use WhatsApp Business for desktop.
How can I get started on WhatsApp Business with YourBusinessNumber?
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If you need help at any point in the process, our comprehensive customer support will help you get back on track. Plus, with cost-effective, stress-free and flexible plans, you’re in complete control. So, what are you waiting for? Generate your new business number today.
Author:
George Lineker
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