How to Open Locked Chat in WhatsApp- Easy Guide

Imagine this scenario: you have an important conversation on WhatsApp – maybe a surprise plan with a friend or sensitive work details – and you lock that chat for privacy. Later, you need to revisit that conversation but can’t find it at first glance. Don’t worry. WhatsApp’s Chat Lock feature keeps certain conversations in a hidden folder, and opening them is straightforward once you know how. This guide will walk you through every step to how to open locked chat in whatsApp, whether on Android, iPhone, or WhatsApp Web.

WhatsApp continues to grow in popularity, with over 2 billion users worldwide. Privacy is a top concern – in fact, 98% of all WhatsApp messages are end-to-end encrypted and about 65% of users employ chat lock features to protect their conversations. Understanding how to unlock those secured chats keeps your own data accessible and secure.

1. How to open locked chat in whatsApp on Your Phone

If a chat is locked, you won’t see it in the main list until you unlock it. Here’s how to open locked chat in whatsApp on Android or iPhone:

• Swipe Down on Chats: Open WhatsApp and go to the Chats screen. Swipe down from the top of your chat list. This reveals a how to open locked chat in whatsApp section (it’s hidden when you first open the app).
• Tap “Locked Chats”: A Locked Chats button or folder will appear at the top. Tap it to how to open locked chat in whatsApp list.
• Figure: The Locked Chats folder (outlined in green) appears after swiping down on the Chats screen. Tapping it prompts a security unlock.
• Authenticate: WhatsApp will prompt you to unlock via your chosen method (fingerprint, Face ID, or PIN). Use the same device password you set for chat lock. Once you authenticate, the Locked Chats folder opens.
• Select and Open the Chat: Inside Locked Chats, you’ll see the conversations you previously locked. Tap any chat to open it normally; it will move back into your main chat list after unlocking.

On WhatsApp Web/Desktop, the Locked Chats option is visible by default (no swipe needed). Click Locked Chats and you will be prompted to enter your secret code (which you must have set up on your phone first). Once you enter the code, the locked chats appear and you can open them there as well.

2. Finding Hidden Locked Chats (Using a Secret Code)

WhatsApp also lets you hide the locked chats folder entirely using a secret code. In this mode, the Locked Chats tab won’t appear in your chat list. Instead, you reveal it by searching your secret code: Enter the Secret Code in Search: Tap the search icon at the top of WhatsApp’s Chats screen and type the secret code you set (for example, 12345).

• Reveal Locked Chats: After entering the correct code, the Locked Chats folder appears in search results. Tap it and authenticate to how to open locked chat in whatsApp.
• Figure: Typing a secret code (shown in the search bar) into WhatsApp reveals the hidden how to open locked chat in whatsApp folder.

This technique hides the fact that how to open locked chat in whatsApp at all, unless someone knows the code. As Tech Crunch explains, when hidden, your locked chats “can only be discovered by typing [the] secret code in the search bar”.

3. What to Do If You Forget Your Secret Code

Forgot your secret code? Don’t panic – you have options:

• Use Biometric (Fingerprint/Face Unlock): If you enabled fingerprint or Face ID for Chat Lock, you can still unlock. For example, on Android add a new fingerprint in your phone’s security settings. Then open WhatsApp and swipe down to Locked Chats and use your fingerprint to unlock. Once inside, go to Settings > Privacy > Chat Lock and disable or reset the secret code.
• Backup & Reset (Android/iOS): If biometrics fail, back up your chats first (WhatsApp Settings > Chats > Chat backup). Then go to Settings > Privacy > Chat Lock and choose “Unlock and clear locked chats.” This will clear the secret code and unlock all chats (note: it temporarily removes locked content from the folder). You can then restore your chat history from the backup.
• Open via Contacts (Android): On Android, a handy trick is to open the locked chat from your Contacts app. Find the contact in your phone’s address book, tap “Message via WhatsApp,” and it will launch WhatsApp and prompt you to unlock that chat. This way you can access the chat and then remove the lock in its settings if needed.
• Keep in mind: if you forget the code and didn’t back up, your locked chats cannot be recovered. WhatsApp warns that there’s “no direct way to recover locked chats unless you have a backup”. Regular backups ensure you won’t lose messages even if you reset Chat Lock.

FAQs

1. How do I unlock a locked chat on WhatsApp?

Swipe down on your Chats screen and tap Locked Chats to open the folder, then authenticate with your PIN/fingerprint/Face ID. The chat will then open normally.

2. How do I find hidden locked chats on WhatsApp?

If you hid locked chats with a secret code, tap the search icon and enter that code (e.g. “1234”). This reveals the Locked Chats folder.

3. Can I open locked chats on WhatsApp Web?

Yes. On WhatsApp Web/Desktop, click Locked Chats and then enter your secret code (set up on your mobile app) when prompted.

4. What if I forgot my WhatsApp chat lock password?

Use your device’s fingerprint or Face ID to unlock, or back up your chats and use Unlock and clear locked chats in Settings to reset the code. Without a backup, the locked chats may be lost.

5. Will anyone know if I lock or unlock a chat?

No – locking a chat only affects your device. The conversation appears normal to the other person, and they won’t receive any notification about your chat lock.

Conclusion

• Opening a locked chat in WhatsApp is simple once you know the steps. Just swipe down on your Chats list, tap Locked Chats, and authenticate to reveal the folder. If your chats are hidden with a secret code, type that code in the search bar to bring them back. Now you can securely lock your private conversations without fear of losing access.
• Ready to make the most of WhatsApp? Try SendWo’s free WhatsApp marketing platform to streamline your messaging and grow your business. For more WhatsApp tips and tutorials, visit the SendWo blog – your guide to smarter, safer communication!