If you’ve ever worried about someone peeking into your WhatsApp chats, I’ve been there. The day my niece grabbed my phone and started scrolling through my conversations, I knew I needed a better way to keep things private.
WhatsApp’s Chat Lock is that solution—fast, hidden, and powered by your phone’s own security. And if your locked chats suddenly disappear or refuse to open, there are reliable fixes. This guide shows you exactly how to lock, hide, and unlock chats the right way, based on real experience and tested steps that work in 2025.
Quick Answer: Can You Lock Individual Chats on WhatsApp?
Yes, you can lock individual chats on WhatsApp using the built-in Chat Lock feature. This feature lets you hide specific conversations behind a password, fingerprint, or Face ID. Locked chats move to a separate "Locked chats" folder that only you can access.
I've been using WhatsApp chat lock feature since 2023, and it's saved me from awkward moments when friends borrow my phone. Let me show you exactly how it works.
What Is WhatsApp Chat Lock? (And Why You Need It)
WhatsApp Chat Lock is a privacy feature that protects your sensitive conversations from prying eyes. When you lock a chat:
The conversation disappears from your main chat list
It moves to a hidden "Locked chats" folder at the top of WhatsApp
You need your device password, fingerprint, or Face ID to open it
Notifications from locked chats don't show message previews
How to Lock a Chat on WhatsApp (Android & iPhone)
Securing your most private conversations is straightforward. WhatsApp allows you to move specific threads into a secure folder that can only be accessed with your device's authentication method. Here is how to lock and hide chats on WhatsApp depending on your device.
Important Requirement: Before you begin, ensure you have a device authentication method set up (FaceID, Fingerprint, or a phone Passcode/PIN). WhatsApp relies on your phone’s existing security settings to lock these chats.
iPhone (iOS) Instructions
Open WhatsApp and locate the chat list.
Swipe left on the conversation you wish to lock.
Tap the More button (three dots).
Select Lock Chat.
Tap Continue and verify using FaceID or your TouchID.
✅ Done! The chat now moves to a new section called “Locked Chats”, only accessible through WhatsApp’s settings.
Android Instructions
Open WhatsApp and find the conversation you want to secure.
Long press on the specific chat until a checkmark appears or the chat is highlighted.
Tap the three vertical dots (Menu) in the top right corner.
Select Lock Chat from the dropdown menu.
Confirm by scanning your fingerprint or entering your PIN when prompted.
Common mistake I made: I tried to lock a group chat the same way as individual chats, but the menu looked different. Don't worry—the process is identical for both individual and group conversations.
How to Lock Multiple Chats at Once
Unfortunately, WhatsApp doesn't let you lock multiple chats simultaneously. You'll need to lock each conversation one at a time. This takes about 5 seconds per chat, so budget your time accordingly.
When I first learned this, I was frustrated. But I realized this design choice actually makes sense—it forces you to think carefully about which conversations truly need protection.
How to Find & View Locked Chats in WhatsApp
After you lock a conversation, it disappears from your main chat list. Many users think the chat was deleted, but it’s actually stored inside a hidden Locked Chats folder. This folder is intentionally concealed to protect your privacy—and it only appears when you use the correct gesture or Secret Code.
Important Notes
☞ If the chat still doesn’t show up—even after following these steps—and you suspect it was deleted instead of locked, tools like Gbyte Recovery can scan your iPhone and help you check whether the missing WhatsApp messages are still recoverable.
The Hidden Folder Explained
By default, the Locked Chats folder is hidden to prevent anyone looking over your shoulder from seeing that you even have locked conversations. To access them, you need to perform a specific gesture or search.
Method 1: The "Swipe Down" Gesture
This is the standard way to see locked chats in WhatsApp:
Go to your main Chats tab (where all your conversations are listed).
Swipe down slowly from the middle of the screen.
A generic folder labeled Locked Chats will appear at the very top of the list.
Tap the folder and authenticate (FaceID/Fingerprint) to view the contents.
Method 2: Use Your Secret Code (If Swiping Doesn’t Work)
If you cannot find the folder by swiping down, you likely have "Hide Locked Chats" enabled with a Secret Code.
The Fix: Tap the Search bar (magnifying glass) at the top of WhatsApp and type in your unique Secret Code. The Locked Chats folder will appear in the search results.
How to Unlock a Locked Chat on WhatsApp
There are two ways to access these chats: temporarily opening them to reply, or permanently removing the lock so the chat returns to your normal list.
Temporary to Unlock Chats(Read & Reply)
To simply read a message:
Navigate to the Locked Chats folder.
Tap to open it and provide your biometric or PIN verification.
Tap the specific chat you want to read.
Note: When you exit the folder, it will automatically lock again immediately.
Permanent Unlock (Remove the Lock)
If you no longer want a conversation to be hidden, follow these steps to restore it to the main screen:
Enter the Locked Chats folder and open the specific chat.
Tap the Contact Name or Group Subject at the top to open Chat Info.
Scroll down and find Chat Lock.
Toggle the switch to OFF.
Confirm with your FaceID/Fingerprint. The chat will move back to your general inbox.
Advanced Privacy: Using a Secret Code
For the highest level of privacy, WhatsApp allows you to set a unique password for your locked chats that is different from your phone’s unlock code. This feature also allows you to completely hide the "Locked Chats" folder from the main screen, so even if someone swipes down, they won't see it.
How to Set It Up:
Open your Locked Chats folder.
Tap Settings (usually in the top corner).
Tap Secret Code.
Create a unique code (this can be a word, numbers, or even an emoji).
Once set, enable the toggle for Hide Locked Chats.
Now, the only way to access these conversations is by typing that specific secret code into the WhatsApp search bar.
Understanding Chat Lock Notifications
One of the smartest features of Chat Lock is how it handles notifications.
What changes when you lock a chat:
You still receive notifications when someone messages you
The notification shows the sender's name
But the message preview is hidden—it just says "Message"
The notification sound plays normally
Example from my experience: When my locked chat receives a message, my notification says "Sarah: Message" instead of "Sarah: Can you keep a secret?" This protects my privacy even when my phone is face-up on a table.
Important note: On some Android devices, you can disable notifications from locked chats entirely. Go to WhatsApp Settings → Notifications → Show notifications for locked chats (turn this off).
Chat Lock vs. Archive: What's the Difference?
Many people confuse Chat Lock with Archive. Here's how they're completely different:
Feature | Chat Lock | Archive |
Purpose | Security and privacy | Declutter your chat list |
Access | Requires password/biometric | Swipe down to view anytime |
Notification preview | Hidden | Shown normally |
Best for | Private conversations | Old or inactive chats |
When I use each feature:
Chat Lock: Personal conversations, work discussions, medical information
Archive chats: Group chats I'm in but rarely check, conversations from old friends
You can actually lock AND archive a chat for maximum privacy, though this seems like overkill for most situations.
FAQs about WhatsApp Chat Lock
How to unlock a locked chat on WhatsApp without fingerprint?
If fingerprint unlock isn’t working, you can open locked chats using your device PIN, lock-screen password, or Face ID. Go to Locked Chats → enter your phone’s screen lock → the chat will open.
What happens when you lock a chat on WhatsApp?
When you lock a chat, WhatsApp will:
Move it into the Locked Chats folder
Hide message previews and notifications
Require fingerprint, PIN, or Face ID to open
Stop auto-saving media to your gallery
Hide the chat from your main list
How to view locked chats on WhatsApp Web?
You can view locked chats on WhatsApp Web only if you set up a Secret Code on your phone. Go to More options → Locked Chats → enter Secret Code. If no Secret Code is set, locked chats will not appear on Web or desktop.
Why is my WhatsApp chat lock not showing?
The chat lock feature may not appear if your WhatsApp is outdated, your phone doesn’t support biometrics, or you haven’t set a screen lock. It can also be missing on WhatsApp Business, work-managed devices, or if the feature hasn’t rolled out in your region yet. For quick solutions, see our full guide: Fix: WhatsApp Chat Lock Not Showing.
How to find locked chats on WhatsApp?
Swipe down on the Chats tab → tap Locked Chats → authenticate with fingerprint/PIN → open the hidden chats.
Can you lock WhatsApp group chats?
Yes. WhatsApp allows locking both individual and group chats. Open the group → tap its name → Chat Lock → Lock This Chat.
Does WhatsApp chat lock hide calls?
No. Chat Lock hides messages only.
Voice and video calls will still appear and ring normally.
Can someone see if I locked our chat on WhatsApp?
No. Locking a chat is completely private. The other person won’t receive any notification or alert.
How do I remove chat lock on WhatsApp?
Open the locked chat → tap Chat Lock → turn off Lock This Chat → confirm with fingerprint/PIN.
