How to Hide Your Chats on WhatsApp Plus
If you want to keep certain conversations private without deleting them, WhatsApp Plus makes it easy to hide chats using its built-in privacy features. Depending on the version you’re using, you can hide chats with a password, fingerprint, or PIN, keeping them out of your main chat list while still being easy to access whenever you need them.
This guide explains exactly how to hide chats in WhatsApp Plus and how to unhide them later.
Why Hide Chats on WhatsApp Plus?
There are plenty of reasons to hide conversations instead of deleting them.
You might want to:
- Keep personal conversations private
- Prevent others from reading your messages
- Reduce clutter in your chat list
- Hide work-related chats
- Protect sensitive conversations
Unlike deleting a chat, hiding it lets you keep all your messages while making them less visible.
Method 1: Hide Chats Using Chat Lock
Most recent versions of WhatsApp Plus include a built-in Chat Lock feature.
Step 1
Open WhatsApp Plus.
Step 2
Find the conversation you want to hide.
Step 3
Long-press the chat until it’s selected.
Step 4
Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
Step 5
Select Hide Chat or Lock Chat (the option may vary depending on your version).
Step 6
Set your preferred security method:
- Fingerprint
- PIN
- Password
- Pattern Lock
Once confirmed, the chat will disappear from your main conversation list.
Method 2: Archive Chats
If your version doesn’t support Chat Lock, you can use Archive.
Step 1
Long-press the chat.
Step 2
Tap the Archive icon.
The conversation moves into the Archived Chats folder.
Keep in mind that archived chats may return to your main screen when new messages arrive unless your version supports keeping archived chats hidden.
Method 3: Hide Chats with Privacy Settings
Some WhatsApp Plus versions offer additional privacy controls.
To check if yours does:
- Open WhatsApp Plus Settings.
- Go to Privacy.
- Open Lock Settings or Hidden Chats.
- Enable the feature.
- Choose a password or fingerprint.
The exact menu names may differ depending on the developer version you’re using.
How to Access Hidden Chats
After hiding a conversation, you can still open it anytime.
Depending on your version, you may need to:
- Enter your PIN
- Scan your fingerprint
- Draw your unlock pattern
- Open the Hidden Chats section
Once verified, your hidden conversations will appear.
How to Unhide Chats
If you no longer want a conversation hidden:
Step 1
Open the Hidden Chats area.
Step 2
Unlock it using your password or fingerprint.
Step 3
Long-press the conversation.
Step 4
Tap Unhide Chat or Unlock Chat.
The conversation will return to your normal chat list.
Things to Know Before Hiding Chats
Hiding a chat doesn’t block the other person.
You’ll still receive:
- New messages
- Voice calls
- Video calls
- Notifications (unless you’ve disabled them)
If privacy is your goal, consider turning off message previews in your phone’s notification settings.
Is Hiding Chats Completely Secure?
Hiding chats provides an extra layer of privacy, but it isn’t a replacement for proper phone security.
For better protection:
- Use a strong phone lock screen.
- Enable fingerprint authentication.
- Keep WhatsApp Plus updated.
- Avoid sharing your unlock PIN.
These simple steps help protect your conversations from unauthorized access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will hiding a chat delete my messages?
No. Your entire conversation remains saved. The chat is simply hidden from your main chat list.
Can the other person tell that I hid the chat?
No. Hiding a chat only affects your device. The other person won’t receive any notification.
Can I still receive messages from hidden chats?
Yes. Hidden chats continue receiving messages normally.
Does every WhatsApp Plus version support hidden chats?
Not always. Features vary depending on the version and developer. Some versions include Chat Lock, while others only offer Archive.
What happens if I uninstall WhatsApp Plus?
If you haven’t backed up your chats, you may lose your conversations. Always create a backup before reinstalling or switching versions.
Final Thoughts
WhatsApp Plus offers more privacy options than the official WhatsApp app, making it easy to hide conversations without deleting them. Whether you use Chat Lock, Archive, or the built-in privacy settings, hidden chats help keep your personal messages out of sight while remaining accessible whenever you need them.
If you regularly share your phone with family or friends, enabling hidden chats is one of the simplest ways to add an extra level of privacy.