WhatsApp lets you hide conversations with a secret code, separate them from your other chats, and keep the folder where they’re stored out of sight. This feature offers more privacy than archiving a conversation because authentication is required to open it.
You can protect individual and group chats using your fingerprint, Face ID, your phone’s unlock code, or a WhatsApp-specific password. This guide explains how to do it, where to find hidden conversations afterward, and what to keep in mind if you forget the code.
Quick summary
Press and hold the conversation, then select Restrict chat or Lock chat. Then open the restricted chats folder, create a secret code, and turn on the option to hide it. To find the folder again, enter the exact code in WhatsApp’s search bar.
What Does Restricting a WhatsApp Chat Mean?
Restricting a chat moves an individual or group conversation to a protected folder in WhatsApp. The chat no longer appears alongside your other conversations, and you must verify your identity to open it.
Depending on your phone and the settings you choose, WhatsApp may ask for:
- Your fingerprint.
- Face ID or facial recognition.
- Touch ID.
- Your device PIN, pattern, or password.
- A secret code created specifically for restricted chats.
Notifications for these conversations also show less information. This means the contact’s name and message content aren’t exposed in the same way on your phone’s screen.
Restricting a chat doesn’t block the contact
The other person can still send messages and make calls. This feature only protects the conversation on your devices.
Differences Between Restricting, Archiving, and Muting
Although these options can make a conversation less visible, they don’t offer the same level of privacy.
| Feature | What it does | Authentication | Privacy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restrict | Stores the conversation in a protected folder that can also be hidden. | Yes | High |
| Archive | Removes the chat from the main list, but it remains accessible in Archived. | No | Low |
| Mute | Turns off the sound or certain notifications for the conversation. | No | Very low |
| Block contact | Prevents that person from messaging or calling you. | Not applicable | Doesn’t hide the chat history |
Archiving a conversation can help keep the app organized, but it doesn’t stop someone with access to your phone from opening it. To add a real security barrier, use chat lock or restriction.
What You Need Before Hiding a Conversation
Before you begin, make sure you meet these requirements:
- Have the latest version of WhatsApp from Google Play or the App Store.
- Have a screen lock enabled.
- Have fingerprint recognition, Face ID, Touch ID, a PIN, a pattern, or a password set up.
- Be able to authenticate successfully on your phone.
If your device doesn’t have a screen lock method, WhatsApp may ask you to set one up before protecting a conversation.
How to Hide a WhatsApp Chat on Android
On most Android phones, you can restrict a conversation directly from the chat list:
- Open WhatsApp and find the conversation you want to protect.
- Press and hold the chat until it’s selected.
- Tap the three-dot menu at the top.
- Select Restrict chat, Lock chat, or an option with a similar name.
- Confirm the action using your fingerprint, facial recognition, or phone code.
You can also open the conversation, tap the contact or group name, and look for the lock option in the chat information.
The name and location of the feature may vary slightly depending on your version of WhatsApp, your phone manufacturer, and your language settings.
How to Hide a WhatsApp Chat on iPhone
The process on iPhone is similar:
- Open WhatsApp and go to your chat list.
- Find the individual chat or group you want to protect.
- Touch and hold the conversation to open its options.
- Select the option to lock or restrict the chat.
- Confirm using Face ID, Touch ID, or your iPhone passcode.
Alternatively, open the conversation, tap the contact or group name, and turn on the lock from the chat information screen.
How to Create a Secret Code Different from Your Phone Passcode
When you protect your first chat, WhatsApp typically uses your device’s authentication. You can then create a different password to open restricted chats.
- Open WhatsApp and go to the main chat list.
- Slowly swipe down until Restricted Chats or Locked Chats appears.
- Open the folder and confirm your identity.
- Go to the settings for restricted chats.
- Select Secret Code.
- Enter a passcode different from the one you use to unlock your phone.
- Enter the code again to confirm it.
Don't use an easy-to-guess password
Avoid using your name, date of birth, phone number, or the same PIN that protects your phone. You should also avoid saving the code in a visible note.
How to Hide the Restricted Chats Folder Too
Protecting conversations doesn't necessarily make the folder disappear from the app. If you also don't want it to appear when you swipe through your chat list, you need to hide it in its settings.
- Go to the restricted chats folder.
- Open that folder's settings.
- Create a secret code if you haven't already set one up.
- Turn on the Hide Restricted Chats option or its equivalent.
The folder will no longer be visible in the main list. To show it temporarily, you'll need to enter the secret code in the search bar.
How to Find Hidden Chats Later
How you access them depends on whether the folder is still visible or completely hidden.
When the Folder Is Still Visible
Open WhatsApp, slowly swipe down on the main list, and tap the restricted chats folder. Then confirm your identity.
When the Folder Is Completely Hidden
- Open WhatsApp.
- Tap the search bar above the chat list.
- Enter the secret code exactly.
- Wait for the protected folder to appear.
- Open it and select the conversation.
Enter the secret code in the search bar
Don't enter it on your phone's unlock screen. When the folder is hidden, type the password directly into WhatsApp's search bar.
How to Remove a Chat Restriction
You can move a conversation back to the main list without deleting its history:
- Go to the restricted chats folder.
- Open the conversation you want to restore.
- Tap the contact or group name.
- Go to the lock or restriction option.
- Turn it off and confirm your identity.
The chat will reappear alongside your other conversations, with its messages, images, documents, and files.
How to Show the Hidden Folder Again
Enter the secret code in the search bar to open the folder. Then go to its settings and turn off the option to hide restricted chats.
From then on, the folder will appear again when you swipe down on the main list.
What to Do If You Forget Your Secret Code
If you can’t remember the password, first check whether you saved it in a secure password manager. Avoid trying random combinations or using erase options without understanding the consequences.
WhatsApp lets you reset the settings for restricted chats in the privacy settings. Depending on your version, you may see an option similar to Unlock and clear restricted chats.
Settings > Privacy > Chat lock or restriction
Before clearing conversations
This option may delete messages and media stored in protected chats from your device. First, check whether you have a valid backup.
Does it also work on WhatsApp Web and desktop?
Compatible versions of WhatsApp Web and the desktop app let you access restricted chats using the secret code. To do this, you must have created the password beforehand on Android or iPhone.
If the feature doesn’t appear on your computer:
- Update WhatsApp on your phone.
- Update or reload WhatsApp Web.
- Check that your computer is still properly linked.
- First create the secret code on your primary phone.
What the secret code actually protects
The secret code adds a useful layer of privacy, but it doesn’t replace the other security measures for your account.
| Protects | Doesn’t replace |
|---|---|
| Local access to specific conversations. | The phone’s general lock. |
| The visibility of the protected folder. | Two-step verification. |
| Details shown in notifications. | Reviewing linked devices. |
| Opening selected chats. | Protecting backups. |
Don’t confuse the secret code with your two-step verification PIN, the registration code you receive by SMS, or the password used to protect a backup.
How to better protect your conversations
To improve your overall WhatsApp security, follow these recommendations as well:
- Enable WhatsApp’s app lock using your fingerprint or facial recognition.
- Use a secure PIN or password to lock your phone.
- Enable two-step verification for your account.
- Review linked devices regularly.
- Log out of any sessions you don’t recognize.
- Never share codes received by SMS with anyone.
- Hide message previews on your lock screen.
- Protect your chat backup too.
You can find more recommendations in our guide on
how to protect your privacy on social media
.
It’s also worth learning about the main
internet dangers and how to prevent them
.
Common problems when hiding WhatsApp chats
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The option to restrict chats doesn’t appear | WhatsApp is out of date, or no lock method has been set up. | Update the app and enable an authentication method. |
| I can’t find the folder | The folder may be completely hidden. | Enter the secret code in the search bar. |
| I can’t create the code | There are no restricted chats yet. | Protect a conversation first. |
| Notifications still appear | A notification may appear without revealing its contents. | Check your phone’s notifications too. |
| Doesn't work on a computer | The code wasn't created on the phone, or the session is out of date. | Set it up on your phone and refresh WhatsApp Web. |
Frequently asked questions about hidden chats
Will the other person know that I've locked their chat?
WhatsApp doesn't notify the contact that you've protected the conversation. The feature only affects how the chat appears on your devices.
Can I hide a WhatsApp group?
Yes. You can lock both individual chats and groups.
Will I still receive messages when a chat is hidden?
Yes. Locking a conversation doesn't block the contact or stop messages from coming through.
Can I use a code that's different from my phone's code?
Yes. The secret code can be different from the PIN or password you use to unlock your device.
Where do I enter the secret code?
When the folder is hidden, enter the code directly in WhatsApp's search bar.
Does archiving a conversation protect it too?
No. Archived chats can be opened without additional authentication from the Archived folder.
Will messages be deleted when I remove the lock?
They shouldn't be deleted when you normally turn off the lock. The risk arises if you use the option to clear chats after forgetting the code.
Does the secret code replace two-step verification?
No. The secret code protects specific conversations, while two-step verification helps protect account registration.
Conclusion
Hiding WhatsApp chats with a secret code offers more privacy than archiving them. It lets you separate certain conversations, protect them with authentication, and even hide the folder where they're stored.
This feature should be combined with a strong screen lock, two-step verification, a review of linked devices, and protection for your backups.
Make sure you remember your secret code. The available procedure for when you lose it may require you to clear your protected chats, putting messages that aren't included in a recoverable backup at risk.
