Hiding WhatsApp messages will be much easier for users after this major update

14 August 2023 , 23:00

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WhatApps announced a beta test for its screen lock feature, which allows the user to hide messages behind a locked screen (Image: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

A new WhatsApp feature will add another means of protection for users who wish to keep their messages hidden from those around them.

The screen lock beta test, the new WhatsApp desktop feature that hides the user's conversations list behind a locked screen, was announced this week on Wabeta.com, which is a website that posts essential news and updates regarding WhatsApp. The only way to remove the black screen is to input the password for that account.

For now, I available only to a limited group of users who joined the app's beta test program and installed the latest version.

The screen lock feature is available to a limited number of users who joined the beta test (Getty Images/Tetra images RF)

Individuals can enable this feature by going to the privacy page within the WhatsApp settings. One should then see a screen lock entry point.

According to Wabeta.com, its possible to configure the screen lock feature by choosing when the user should be prompted to enter the password. If one forgets their password, they'll need to log back in by scanning the QR code. The experts who post to wabetainfo.com assert that using the screen lock feature on WhatsApp Web offers an advantage regarding privacy. They wrote:

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Experts on wabetainfo.com assert that user conversations will be safer with the screen lock feature (AFP via Getty Images)

"When you enable this feature, it ensures that even if someone gains access to your computer while you’re away, they won’t be able to access your WhatsApp chats and messages without entering the password.

In addition, push notifications will not appear when the screen is locked. In our opinion, this definitely helps users maintain the confidentiality of their conversations by enhancing privacy and preventing unauthorized users from viewing their personal information."

While most users are excited about the new features, some are sceptical and even paranoid. X, formerly known as Twitter, user Alishzad05 mentioned the risks that come with some of screen lock's features—namely, the log-in-and-out portion when a user can re-login if they forget their password. Some users like Alishzad05 are worried about someone else scanning the QR code and gaining access to their account.

If a user forgets their screen lock password, they can gain access by scanning a QR code (Getty Images/Westend61)

"I was talking about someone else saving the QR code and re-entering your password. So that person will be able to enter the password they want and unlock the computer. Please cancel the advantage of logging out and re-entering the password when the password is forgotten," Alishzad05 wrote on Twitter."

Additionally, WhatsApp has launched another update that will fix a problem with the widget in the Android beta version. A plethora of users have complained about widgets not loading, and new messages not appearing, after installing the latest update of WhatsApp beta for Android.

Commonly, users rely on the WhatsApp widget, so they don't have to reopen the app every time they receive a new message.

Mataeo Smith