How to Hide WhatsApp Chats: A Complete Guide

WhatsApp is one of the most widely used messaging apps, and sometimes, you may want to keep certain chats private. Whether it’s for personal or security reasons, WhatsApp provides multiple ways to hide conversations. In this guide, we will explore different methods to hide WhatsApp chats on Android and iPhone.

1. Using the Archive Chat Feature

WhatsApp’s built-in Archive feature allows you to hide chats from the main screen without deleting them.

Steps to Archive a Chat (Android & iPhone)

1. Open WhatsApp on your device.
2. Long press the chat (Android) or swipe left on the chat (iPhone).
3. Tap the Archive icon (a box with a downward arrow).
4. The chat will move to the Archived Chats folder, which you can access by scrolling to the top of the chat list.

How to Unarchive a Chat

1. Scroll to the top and open Archived Chats.
2. Long press (Android) or swipe left (iPhone) on the chat.
3. Tap Unarchive, and the chat will return to the main chat list.

2. Using Fingerprint or Face ID Lock (Built-in Feature)

WhatsApp allows users to lock the app with Fingerprint (Android) or Face ID (iPhone), adding an extra layer of privacy.

How to Enable Fingerprint or Face ID Lock

1. Open WhatsApp and go to Settings.
2. Navigate to Privacy > Fingerprint lock (Android) / Screen Lock (iPhone).
3. Toggle on Unlock with Fingerprint or Face ID.
4. Set the lock timer (Immediately, After 1 minute, After 30 minutes).

Now, WhatsApp will require biometric authentication to open, ensuring your chats remain private.

3. Hiding Chats Using Third-Party Apps

If you need additional privacy beyond WhatsApp’s built-in features, you can use third-party apps like AppLock, Locker for Whats Chat App, or Norton App Lock to lock WhatsApp completely.

How to Use App Lockers

1. Download an App Locker from Google Play Store or App Store.
2. Set a password, PIN, or pattern.
3. Select WhatsApp as the app to lock.
4. Now, whenever you open WhatsApp, it will require a password.

4. Using a Hidden Folder (Android Users Only)

For an advanced privacy option, Android users can hide WhatsApp media and chat backups.

Steps to Hide WhatsApp Media

1. Open File Manager on your phone.
2. Navigate to WhatsApp > Media.
3. Rename the WhatsApp Images or Videos folder by adding a period (.) before the name (e.g., .WhatsApp Images).
4. This prevents media files from appearing in the gallery.

5. Lock Individual WhatsApp Chats (WhatsApp Business Users)

For WhatsApp Business, you can lock individual chats using the Chat Lock feature.

How to Lock a Specific Chat

1. Open WhatsApp and go to the chat you want to lock.
2. Tap the Chat Info (three-dot menu).
3. Select Lock Chat and enable Fingerprint or Face ID authentication.

Now, that specific chat will require authentication before opening.

Conclusion

Hiding WhatsApp chats is easy with built-in features like Archive, Chat Lock, and App Lock. For additional privacy, third-party apps and file manager tricks can be useful. Choose the best method depending on your security needs.

Would you like help with any other WhatsApp privacy settings? Let me know! ????