OpenAI may be preparing a new privacy feature that would let ChatGPT users secure selected conversations behind an additional lock. The feature could reportedly use a PIN or fingerprint authentication to prevent unauthorised access to protected chats. According to Android Authority, references to “locked chats” and “Protect chats” were found in inactive code within a recent version of the ChatGPT Android app, indicating that OpenAI may be testing the functionality, although there is no confirmation on when or if it will be released.
Locked Chats Could Work Differently From Temporary Chats #
ChatGPT already offers Temporary Chats for conversations that users do not want saved to their regular history. These chats are not retained in the account after the conversation ends. The rumoured Locked Chats feature could offer a different approach by allowing users to keep a conversation while placing it behind an additional privacy barrier.
Hidden code suggests ChatGPT might soon let you lock away your most sensitive chats to keep them safe from prying eyes
— TechRadar (@techradar)[https://t.co/CvfYa5l8BH][August 23, 2026]
PIN or Biometric Protection Could Be Added #
If introduced, Locked Chats could require users to authenticate themselves before accessing protected conversations. This could potentially involve a PIN or biometric verification such as a fingerprint scan. The feature would therefore give users a way to retain sensitive conversations without leaving them openly accessible alongside their other chats.
Locked Chats May Get Separate Memory Treatment #
There is also uncertainty over how ChatGPT's Memory feature could interact with locked conversations. According to the report, references found in the app code suggest that information from a locked chat may remain confined to that particular conversation, even when Memory is enabled. This could mean ChatGPT would not use details from a protected conversation to personalise responses elsewhere.
Feature Is Still Unconfirmed #
The reported functionality has been found in inactive code, so there is no guarantee that OpenAI will release it publicly. The company could also modify the feature or abandon it before launch. If it does arrive, however, Chat Lock could be useful for people who use ChatGPT for sensitive discussions, including personal matters, career planning, job applications and other conversations they may not want others to access easily.
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