ChatGPT Now Lets You Lock Chats Behind a PIN or Face ID

Locked chats are hidden from your regular chat history and have their own memory, but they are not end-to-end encrypted

Abubakar Mohammed profile pictureby Abubakar Mohammed
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OpenAI ChatGPT Locked Chats feature in action on Web Browser

Image Credit: LinkedIn/ @Tiborblaho

Summary

  • ChatGPT is getting Locked Chats feature allowing users to lock conversations with a PIN, Face ID or Touch ID.
  • Locked chats reside in a dedicated section with its own Memory system.
  • It does not provide end-to-end encryption or alter OpenAI's server-side data retention policies.
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OpenAI is rolling out a new feature in ChatGPT, bringing the ability to lock chats. People worried about a friend or family member reading sensitive information can lock a specific conversation with a four-digit PIN or the device's fingerprint.

Locked Chats in ChatGPT Rolling Out

After rolling out its new Hindi voices, OpenAI is rolling out Locked Chats to all ChatGPT users. Regardless of plan, the feature lets users move locked chats from the standard chat history into a dedicated section of the app. Users can access this using a four-digit PIN, device fingerprint, or, on iPhone, Face ID.

ChatGPT Locked Chats feature in action on a smartphone
Image Credit: OpenAI
ChatGPT Locked Chats feature in action on a smartphone
Image Credit: OpenAI

The feature uses an isolated memory system, but the secrets shared in locked threads will be remembered in future locked sessions. However, it will not accidentally bring it up during a normal, unlocked conversation.

That said, the feature does have its own drawbacks. ChatGPT's official help page mentions that locked conversations aren't end-to-end encrypted. It also doesn't change how long OpenAI retains the data or automatically opt you out of the "Improve the model for everyone" setting.

It's also worth noting that forgetting the passcode requires a full reset, which permanently wipes all locked content and files. Additionally, Temporary, Archived, Group, Shared Links, Scheduled Tasks and Healthcare all fall under ineligible chat types and cannot be locked.

How to Lock Chat in ChatGPT

To reiterate, Locked Chats are gradually rolling out and may take time to appear. To check if the feature is available and to use it, do as follows:

  1. Launch the ChatGPT app and tap the button at the top-left with two horizontal lines to open the sidebar.
  2. Then choose Projects, and you should see a Locked chats filter at the top. Tap on it.
  3. Enter your account PIN and set up authentication using your preferred method.
  4. Start a conversation and all the chats will be stored in the Locked chats folder.

Users can also lock existing chats by tapping on the three dots at the top-right and selecting Lock chat. They will be asked to enter a PIN, and upon confirmation, the chat should be moved to the Locked chats project folder.

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