WhatsApp Explores Secret Code Functionality for Protected Chats: Development of Channel Usernames Allegedly Underway

WhatsApp is now testing a new feature that allows you to hide private conversations on the messaging service. You can establish a secret code in Android's latest WhatsApp beta version to hide individual chats from the main list. You can open your hidden chats by swiping them down in the chat list, but the new feature will prevent them from appearing until the secret code is entered. Meanwhile, WhatsApp is working on a feature allowing you to assign a username to channels.

WhatsApp particularly requests that you select a memorable secret code

You can specify a secret code for hidden chats on WhatsApp after updating to WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.24.20. Open the list of locked chats and press the three-dot menu at the top > Chat lock settings > toggle. Enter a distinctive secret code to hide closed chats. WhatsApp particularly requests that you select a memorable secret code because changing your secret code would clear all of your locked communications.

When you hide your closed chats, they will no longer be visible in the closed chats category that appears when you swipe down on the home screen. Instead, type the secret code in the search field to access the hidden (and locked) chat list. The feature to hide closed chats prevents others from discovering the presence of locked chats on your phone – instead of just swiping down, they must input your secret code.

If you want to return to the previous locking technique that protects chats with your fingerprint, you can toggle Hide locked chats after entering your secret code. With a swipe down on the list of primary chats, the locked chats will be available again. 

The feature is still being developed. Beta testers can only use it once it is released on the beta channel later

Meanwhile, feature tracker WABetaInfo discovered a new feature in the works that will allow users to assign a username to channels. According to the tracker, your channel users can enter the username to open the channel after a username is set. Because the feature is still being developed, beta testers can only use it once it is released on the beta channel later.