Recent WhatsApp version includes personalized passwords for chat privacy

With the goal of improving chat security and privacy, WhatsApp has been working on a new feature called "secret code." For their locked chats, users can set a personalized password, such as a word or an emoji, making it simpler to find them fast. This feature enhances already-in-place security features like face and fingerprint identification. It seeks to offer improved security and user convenience at the same time. 

The secret code feature, serves as a means to quickly locate locked chats. Users can simply type in the secret code in the search bar to find their protected conversations. Alternatively, they can access these chats on their companion devices. This password can be customized using either a word or an emoji, offering flexibility and personalization. 

WhatsApp already offers security measures such as app lock using fingerprint recognition, face unlock, or a PIN code. The addition of the secret code feature not only enhances security but also simplifies the process of locating and accessing locked chats. 

The development of this feature came after the launch of Chat Lock. The company is also actively working on integrating Chat Lock with companion devices. The secret code feature is currently in the testing phase and not available even to beta testers, it is expected to be rolled out to all users in the near future. 

For those unfamiliar with WhatsApp's chat locking functionality, it allows users to secure and conceal specific conversations from their chat list. To enable this, users need to open a chat, tap on the chat info, and scroll down to tap on the 'Chat Lock' option. You can then enable the feature. It by default adds a fingerprint lock to selected chats. Once you enable it, locked chats will be visible in a dedicated folder at the top of the chat list. Access to this folder is restricted and can only be granted through the set security lock, ensuring the utmost privacy for users.