Privacy is important, especially when your iPhone is often accessed by family members, friends, or colleagues. To help with this, WhatsApp offers a built-in feature that lets you lock specific chats so they cannot be opened without authentication.
In this guide, you will learn how to lock both individual and group chats in WhatsApp on iPhone and understand how this feature works in real-life use.
Also read: How to Clear WhatsApp Call History Step by Step on Android and iPhone
What Chat Lock Does in WhatsApp
Chat Lock is a security feature that protects selected conversations using Face ID, Touch ID, or your iPhone passcode. Once enabled, locked chats are hidden from the main chat list and placed in a separate section that requires authentication to open.
This feature works for:
- Personal one-to-one chats
- Group chats
Things You Need Before Locking Chats
Before using Chat Lock, make sure:
- WhatsApp is updated to the latest version
- Face ID or Touch ID is enabled on your iPhone
- You are logged into WhatsApp on the device
Without these, the lock option may not appear.
Also read: How to Edit Videos Directly in WhatsApp on Android and iPhone
How to Lock an Individual WhatsApp Chat on iPhone
Follow these steps to lock a private chat.
- Open WhatsApp on your iPhone
- Tap the chat you want to secure
- Tap the contact’s name at the top
- Select Chat Lock
- Turn on Lock This Chat with Face ID
- Authenticate using Face ID or Touch ID
The chat will now move out of the main chat list.
How to Lock a Group Chat on WhatsApp
Group chats can be locked the same way as individual chats.
- Open the group chat
- Tap the group name at the top
- Tap Chat Lock
- Enable the lock option
- Confirm with Face ID or Touch ID
This ensures that all messages in the group stay protected.
Also read: Understanding WhatsApp Call Status Messages and What They Actually Mean
Where Locked Chats Are Kept
After locking a chat:
- Scroll to the top of your chat list
- Tap Locked Chats
- Authenticate to view messages
Without verification, the chats remain hidden.
What Happens to Messages and Notifications
When a chat is locked:
- Message previews are hidden in notifications
- You may only see a generic alert
- Media stays inside the locked chat
This prevents sensitive content from appearing on your screen.
Also read: How To Silence WhatsApp Calls From Someone Without Blocking Them
How to Unlock or Remove Chat Lock
If you want to remove the lock later:
- Open Locked Chats
- Open the locked conversation
- Tap the contact or group name
- Go to Chat Lock
- Turn off the lock option
- Authenticate to confirm
The chat will return to your normal chat list.
Important Things to Remember
- Chat lock works only on the current iPhone
- Locked chats are still included in backups
- Deleting WhatsApp removes local chat data
- You can lock multiple chats without limits
Also read: Create WhatsApp Stickers Without Installing Any App on Android and iPhone
Final Thoughts
Locking chats in WhatsApp on iPhone is an easy way to add an extra layer of privacy without using any third-party tools. Whether it is a personal conversation or a group chat, the Chat Lock feature helps keep your messages secure and out of sight. If privacy matters to you, enabling chat lock is a simple but effective step.