How to hide a WhatsApp chat - briefly?
To hide a WhatsApp chat, you can use the "Archive" feature. This will remove the chat from your main screen without deleting it permanently.
How to hide a WhatsApp chat - in detail?
Hiding a WhatsApp chat can be crucial for maintaining privacy and preventing unwanted access to sensitive information. Here’s a detailed guide on how to achieve this:
Using Archive Feature
WhatsApp provides an in-built feature called "Archive" which allows you to hide chats from the main screen without deleting them. To use this feature, follow these steps:
- Open WhatsApp: Launch the application on your device.
- Navigate to Chats: Go to the 'Chats' tab where all your conversations are listed.
- Select Chat: Long-press on the chat you want to hide until a menu appears at the top of the screen.
- Archive Chat: Tap the 'Archive' icon (it looks like a box with an arrow pointing down). The selected chat will be moved to the 'Archived Chats' folder.
To access archived chats later, scroll to the bottom of your chats list and tap on 'Archived Chats'.
Locking WhatsApp with Biometric Authentication
Another effective way to hide chats is by enabling biometric authentication for WhatsApp:
- Open Settings: Go to your device's settings.
- Find Biometrics & Security: Navigate to the 'Biometrics and security' or similar option.
- Set Up Fingerprint/Face Recognition: If not already set up, follow the prompts to add your fingerprint or facial recognition data.
- Enable WhatsApp Lock: Go back to WhatsApp, open Settings > Account > Privacy, and enable 'Fingerprint lock' or 'Face ID'.
This ensures that only you can access your chats using biometric verification.
Using Third-Party Apps
For more advanced hiding options, consider using third-party apps designed for WhatsApp privacy:
- Download and Install: Search for and install a reliable app like 'WhatsApp Lock' or 'Lock for WhatsApp' from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Set Up Password/PIN: Follow the app’s instructions to set up a password, PIN, or pattern lock for WhatsApp.
- Enable Hide Feature: Some apps offer an additional 'Hide Chats' feature which can further protect specific conversations.
Enabling Disappearing Messages
For added security in individual chats, you can enable the 'Disappearing Messages' feature:
- Open Chat: Go to the chat you want to enable this for.
- Access Settings: Tap on the contact’s name at the top of the chat.
- Turn On Disappearing Messages: Select 'Disappearing messages', then choose the duration (24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days).
Summary
Hiding WhatsApp chats can be done through various methods, each offering a different level of security and convenience. Whether you use the built-in Archive feature, biometric lock, third-party apps, or disappearing messages, these steps will help you maintain the privacy of your conversations effectively.