Keep your private chats truly private. WhatsApp has a built-in lock that uses your fingerprint or Face ID, plus a Chat Lock for individual conversations. Here is how to set both up in 2026.
Lock the Whole App
- Open WhatsApp then Settings.
- Go to Privacy then App Lock.
- Enable Fingerprint lock on Android or Require Face ID on iPhone.
- Choose how quickly the lock activates after you close the app.
Tip: Set the lock to activate immediately for the strongest protection.
Lock a Single Chat
- Open the chat you want to lock.
- Tap the contact or group name at the top.
- Scroll to Chat Lock and toggle it on.
- The chat moves to a separate Locked Chats folder.
FAQ
Will notifications show locked chats?
You can hide the sender and message preview for locked chats, so notifications stay private.
What if my fingerprint sensor fails?
WhatsApp falls back to your phone PIN, pattern or passcode, so you will not be locked out.
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