How to lock WhatsApp chats so nobody else can see them on your phone

If you occasionally hand your phone to someone else and want to make sure certain messages can't be seen, you may want to lock individual chats in WhatsApp to keep them away from prying eyes.

To activate the feature, press and hold the chat you want to hide and select "Lock chat." The conversation will then be moved to a separate "Locked chats" folder.

This folder is secured and can only be opened using your device's unlock method – such as fingerprint, face recognition, PIN or pattern.

Add an extra passcode

For additional security, you can set a separate code just for locked chats:

• Open the "locked chats" folder

• Tap the three-dot menu and go to "Locked chats settings" or "secret code"

• Enter your desired code, tap "Next" then confirm it

This passcode works independently of your device lock.

What others can still see

Locked chats are hidden from the main chat list, and notifications reveal no details.

Instead of message previews or contact names, you'll simply see: "WhatsApp: 1 new message." However, incoming calls from those contacts will still come through as usual.

If you no longer need the extra privacy, you can reverse the process by pressing and holding the chat in the "Locked chats" folder, opening the settings and selecting "Unlock chat."