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• WhatsApp is currently working on a new feature.
• The new feature will allow users to secure chats on linked devices.
• For now only beta testers can avail this feature.

WhatsApp, a messaging platform owned by Meta, is currently working on a new feature that will enable users to secure chats on linked devices.

The development of this feature suggests that the social media company is actively enhancing user privacy on WhatsApp by extending its chat lock feature, which was introduced about a year ago and requires users to input their device password to access chats.

The progress of this feature was revealed by WABetaInfo, a tracker of WhatsApp features. The feature was detected in the WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.24.8.4, indicating that the company is preparing to launch it on the stable version of the app soon.

Secret code feature on WhatsApp

This forthcoming feature will allow users to establish secret codes from the primary device of a WhatsApp account. These codes will only be functional on linked devices to unlock chats.

Since these codes will not be applicable for the main devices, users can set up biometric verification methods such as fingerprint sensor on Android phones and Touch ID or Face ID on iPhones. It’s important to note that biometric methods will not work on linked devices.

Who can access new WhatsApp feature?

According to the report from WABetaInfo, because the feature is exclusively available on the beta version of the app, only beta testers who are enrolled in the beta programme have access to the feature. The social media company has not made any announcements regarding the full roll out of the feature for stable WhatsApp users. However, if you are a regular user and are keen to test out the feature, you need to sign up for the WhatsApp beta programme from the Google Play Store to be eligible.