ChatGPT adds locked chats with PIN or biometric protection for privacy

OpenAI introduces a feature to secure specific conversations with a PIN or biometric lock, separating them from standard history and search results.

Threat Times Systems DeskOctober 20, 20262 min read

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Illustration: A smartphone rests on a wooden desk, its screen displaying a blank messaging interface. — AI-generated illustration: Threat Times

Key points

Users can secure individual chats with a four-digit PIN, Face ID, or Touch ID.
Locked chats move to a dedicated section and maintain separate memory settings.
The feature is rolling out across most subscription tiers but excludes Healthcare plans.

OpenAI announced on Tuesday that users can now lock ChatGPT conversations to keep sensitive discussions private. According to TechCrunch, the feature allows users to secure chats with a four-digit PIN or biometric authentication on supported devices, preventing others from accessing the content when sharing a screen.

This capability addresses scenarios where users discuss personal matters or plan surprises while handing their device to friends or family. Unlike Temporary Chats, which do not appear in history, Locked Chats remain accessible to the user. TechCrunch reports that this addition provides a new privacy layer as the app sees increased use for personal conversations.

How Locked Chats Function

OpenAI notes that locking a chat does not create end-to-end encryption or change data retention policies. The action also does not remove information ChatGPT remembered before the lock was applied. According to the company, the feature does not alter the "Improve the model for everyone" setting, meaning the underlying data handling remains unchanged.

Once secured, the conversation moves to a dedicated "Locked Chats" section. It is kept separate from regular chat history, pinned conversations, and search results. With Memory enabled, this section maintains its own separate memory shared across conversations within it, ensuring new information does not leak into regular chats.

Availability and Limitations

The Locked Chats option is not available for temporary chats, archived chats, group chats, or those created from shared links. It also excludes chats with scheduled tasks or meeting recordings. TechCrunch reports that resetting the PIN permanently deletes all locked chats, files, and other content protected by that previous code.

The feature is rolling out to users on Free, Go, Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Edu plans. However, it is not available on ChatGPT for Healthcare. Because the rollout began on Tuesday, the feature may not be live for all users immediately upon checking the application.

What should you do?

Users interested in this feature should check their ChatGPT interface for the new locking options. Those using the service for healthcare-related tasks should note that this specific privacy tool is currently excluded from that plan. It is important to remember that this local lock does not change how OpenAI stores or processes the data on its servers.

What to do and how to stay safe: ChatGPT

Verify if the locked chat feature is available on your specific subscription tier and device before relying on it for sensitive data.
Create a strong, unique four-digit PIN or ensure biometric authentication is active on your device to secure the locked section effectively.
Understand that locking a chat does not provide end-to-end encryption, so treat the content as if it is still accessible to the service provider.
Avoid storing highly sensitive personal information in any chat, as resetting the PIN will permanently delete all locked content without recovery.

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General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.