---
title: "OpenAI introduces Locked Chats feature in ChatGPT"
url: https://noti.group/openai-introduces-locked-chats-feature-in-chatgpt/
language: en
publisher: "Noti Group"
section: "Technology"
published: 2026-10-20T18:36:53.000Z
updated: 2026-10-20T19:28:19.563Z
id: 23b99fae-88a0-4f65-9aa5-16204f9866d4
source: "TechCrunch https://techcrunch.com/2026/10/20/chatgpt-now-lets-you-lock-your-chats/"
attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/openai-introduces-locked-chats-feature-in-chatgpt/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story."
---

# OpenAI introduces Locked Chats feature in ChatGPT

Users can now lock their conversations with a four-digit PIN or biometric authentication to keep them private when others have access to the device or screen.

OpenAI has introduced a new feature in its popular chatbot ChatGPT, allowing users to lock their conversations and keep sensitive discussions private when others may have access to their device or screen. This security measure is designed for situations where users need to share personal information or plan a surprise with friends or family.

To secure locked chats, users can set up a four-digit PIN or use Face ID or Touch ID on supported devices, providing an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access. Unlike Temporary Chats, which create a separate session that doesn't appear in chat history, Locked Chats allow users to return to the conversation at any time.

The company notes that locked chats are intended for personal conversations and planning sensitive information, highlighting the increasing use of ChatGPT for private discussions. However, it's worth noting that locking a chat does not address concerns about how sensitive information is stored or handled by the app.

OpenAI has clarified what locking a chat entails, stating that it doesn't create end-to-end encryption or an encrypted vault, and doesn't change how long conversations are retained or remove any previously recorded information.

ChatGPT has introduced a new feature that allows users to lock their chats, providing an extra layer of security for sensitive conversations.

When a user locks a chat, it is moved to a dedicated "Locked Chats" section, separating it from regular chat history and other conversations. This ensures that locked chats remain private and are not accessible through search results or pinned conversations.

In addition to this separation, the Locked Chats feature also includes its own memory system, which is shared across conversations within the locked section. However, new messages sent after locking a chat will update only the locked conversation's memory, preventing any potential leaks into regular chats.

The company has clarified that resetting a PIN for locked chats will result in the permanent deletion of all protected content, including files and other sensitive information.

Locked Chats is not available for certain types of conversations, such as temporary chats, archived chats, group chats, and those created from shared links or with scheduled tasks.

The feature allows users to lock specific conversations, making it more difficult for others to access or share their content.

Locked Chats is not available for certain types of conversations, such as temporary chats, archived chats, group chats, and those created from shared links or with scheduled tasks.

This limitation aims to prevent users from accidentally locking important information that may need to be accessed by others.

---
Source: [TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2026/10/20/chatgpt-now-lets-you-lock-your-chats/)  
Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/openai-introduces-locked-chats-feature-in-chatgpt/