Upcoming WhatsApp update to introduce locked chats feature for all linked devices, enhancing privacy.

WhatsApp introduced a secret code for the chat lock feature in November, but it only worked on primary devices, leaving sensitive conversations exposed on linked devices. To enhance privacy, WhatsApp is reportedly working on an update to keep conversations locked across all linked devices. The company may also add a feature to status updates that allows users to mention specific contacts. Stay tuned for these upcoming changes on WhatsApp.

Privacy feature for locked chats in WhatsApp

To improve users’ privacy settings, WhatsApp introduced a locked chat feature that kept a contact hidden behind a secret code. This added an extra layer of protection to sensitive conversations. However, locked conversations were easily accessible on other linked devices, creating a major privacy issue. Now, according to a report by WaBetaInfo, the latest WhatsApp beta is rumored to be testing a feature that will allow users to lock a conversation on all linked devices, not just the primary device.

To access a locked chat on other linked devices, go to the chat lock settings on your primary device and first create a secret code to lock the chat. Now just use the code in the other device’s new privacy settings. The feature is expected to be released in future updates and is currently being tested in the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.8.4 update.

WhatsApp Status update feature

Android Authority also reported that WhatsApp is working on a new status feature that will allow users to privately mention contacts in their status messages. This feature was spotted in iOS WhatsApp Beta, which privately notifies a contact that they have been mentioned in a shared status. However, the mention is expected to remain hidden and only visible to contacts added to the story. This feature is quite similar to the one we use on Instagram Stories.