WhatsApp users may soon be able to lock individual chats

Have you ever wanted to lock individual chats and media on WhatsApp? The instant messaging platform's upcoming "Lock Chat" feature can let you do just that.

WhatsApp is one of the few instant messaging platforms that introduces new features every now and then. While the app allows users to lock the app itself, it cannot lock individual chats. But that may soon change.

According to a recent WABetaInfo report, WhatsApp developers are working on a new feature that could allow users to lock individual chats using fingerprints or passcodes. It appears that users will be able to view these locked chats in a separate section, which could make it impossible for anyone without a passcode to view these chats.

If someone tries to access your phone and fails the authentication process multiple times, they will need to delete the chat if they want to open it. In addition to increasing user privacy, the new feature can also help hide media shared with private chats by not automatically saving them to the device's gallery.

The new feature that was spotted on the latest WhatsApp Beta for Android (v2.23.8.2) will be available in a future version of the app. Last month, WhatsApp introduced several new features such as a call link for the Windows version of the app, a split view interface for Android tablets, the ability to approve new group members, post voice notes as status updates, and more.