OpenAI introduced Locked Chats, a feature that moves selected ChatGPT conversations into a protected section that requires authentication to access.
The feature hides locked conversations from regular chat history, pinned chats and standard search results. Users can find them under Projects > Locked chats and protect access with a 4-digit account PIN or, on supported devices, biometric authentication such as Face ID or Touch ID.
How Locked Chats work
According to OpenAI’s support information, locked conversations remain saved in the user’s account but are separated from the usual chat interface. The feature is available on the web, eligible Android and iOS devices, and ChatGPT’s macOS and Windows desktop apps.
New messages in locked chats will not update the Memory used in regular conversations. However, locking a chat does not erase information ChatGPT remembered before it was locked. If Memory is enabled, locked conversations may also draw on relevant information from regular Memory.
OpenAI says Locked Chats provide an additional layer of privacy rather than end-to-end encryption. The feature does not change chat retention policies or existing settings governing whether conversations can be used to improve its AI models.
How to lock a ChatGPT conversation
- Open ChatGPT and find the conversation you want to protect.
- Select the 3-dot menu (•••) beside the chat.
- Choose Lock chat and confirm.
- Create a 4-digit account PIN if prompted, or enter your existing PIN.
The conversation will move to Projects > Locked chats. To reopen it, users must authenticate with their PIN or a supported device authentication method.
OpenAI warns that resetting a forgotten account PIN will permanently delete all locked chats and content protected only by the previous PIN.
Locked Chats is rolling out gradually to Free, Go, Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise and Edu users. Temporary chats, archived chats, group chats and conversations created through shared links cannot be locked. In Enterprise and Edu workspaces, the feature remains subject to organisational policies and compliance requirements.
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