WhatsApp is rolling out yet another update today, introducing a new feature known as Secret Code that boosts the security of the previously released Chat Lock feature. By using both together, you basically have two layers of security for your private conversations.

How does the secret code work? You can now set a custom password for your locked chats. But this is a different type of password, unlike the previous chat lock feature that relied on your Face ID, password or fingerprint. After setting a secret code, it becomes even more difficult for an unauthorized user to access your locked chats.

To access the locked chats, you need to enter the secret code in the search bar of WhatsApp. Your private, locked conversations will reappear only after you do so. Your secret code can be a phrase, emoji, or a mix of both, as shown in the image above. But you need to enter it before you can access your hidden chats. Also, you need to enter the actual chat lock password as well if you have that setting.

Meta had previously introduced the chat lock feature to WhatsApp allowing you to lock personal conversations with a password, Face ID or fingerprint. You can set chat lock in WhatsApp on Android and iOS with just a few steps.