Several major security upgrades have transformed WhatsApp into a digital fortress for privacy-conscious users. Since May 2023, the app’s Chat Lock feature has allowed users to stash sensitive conversations in a separate folder, accessible only with a device password or biometric authentication. Notifications from these chats automatically hide both sender and message content. No more awkward moments when texts pop up during meetings. This feature is especially valuable for users who share phones with family members. The feature works with both individual and group conversations. Privacy upgrade complete.

November 2023 brought the Secret Code extension, letting users create unique passwords for their Locked Chats folder. This password can include letters, numbers, or even emojis—different from your phone’s access code. The truly paranoid can now completely hide the Locked Chats folder, making it discoverable only by typing the secret code in the search bar. Pretty slick.

Spam calls got you down? WhatsApp’s Silence Unknown Callers feature automatically mutes rings from numbers not in your contacts. The calls still appear in your Calls tab and notifications, but without the jarring interruption. You can always call back if it matters. Toggle it on in Settings > Privacy > Calls.

The Privacy Checkup Tool centralizes all security settings in one hub. It guides users through protecting their personal info, controlling who can contact them, and enhancing chat privacy. Finding all these settings used to be a scavenger hunt. Not anymore.

Coming in April 2025, Advanced Chat Privacy will prevent chat history exports, block automatic media downloads, and restrict AI features from using your messages. The digital equivalent of a cone of silence.

Behind the scenes, Device Verification and Account Protection work to prevent malware takeovers using security tokens and “invisible pings” to verify legitimate connections. It’s all automatic—no user action required.

All these innovations build on WhatsApp’s foundation of end-to-end encryption, established in 2016. Your conversations are yours alone. That’s how it should be.