OpenAI Rolls Out Locked Chats for ChatGPT to Keep Private Conversations Hidden
OpenAI has introduced a new privacy feature for ChatGPT that allows users to lock individual conversations and keep sensitive chats away from prying eyes. The feature began rolling out on Tuesday and is designed for moments when someone else may have temporary access to your phone, computer, or screen.
With Locked Chats, users can protect selected ChatGPT conversations using a four-digit PIN. On supported devices, they can also unlock chats with Face ID or Touch ID, making it easier to access private conversations without typing a code every time.
The new feature is different from Temporary Chats. Temporary Chats create a separate session that does not appear in chat history, while Locked Chats remain saved and can be reopened later. This makes Locked Chats useful for ongoing conversations that users want to keep, but do not want visible in their regular ChatGPT history.
OpenAI says the feature is intended for everyday privacy situations. For example, a user may be planning a surprise gift, discussing a personal issue, working through private thoughts, or handling sensitive information while still needing to show someone else another ChatGPT conversation. Instead of exposing the full chat list, locked conversations are moved into a separate protected area.
Once a chat is locked, it is removed from the main chat history and placed in a dedicated Locked Chats section. These conversations are also kept separate from pinned chats and do not appear in regular chat search results. This helps reduce the chances of private conversations being accidentally seen while browsing through ChatGPT.
However, OpenAI is clear that locking a chat does not change how ChatGPT stores or processes the conversation. Locked Chats do not create end-to-end encryption, and they are not stored in a separate encrypted vault. The feature also does not change how long OpenAI retains a chat, and it does not remove information that ChatGPT may have remembered before the conversation was locked.
The company also notes that locking a chat does not change the “Improve the model for everyone” setting. Users who want to manage how their data may be used should still review their ChatGPT privacy and data controls separately.
For users who have Memory enabled, Locked Chats come with a separate memory system. Information shared in Locked Chats can update memory within the Locked Chats section, but it will not update regular ChatGPT Memory. This means details from private locked conversations should not appear later in standard chats outside the locked area.
OpenAI also warns that resetting a PIN has a major consequence: all locked chats, files, and other content protected by the previous PIN will be permanently deleted. This is important for users to remember before resetting their code.
Locked Chats are not available for every type of conversation. The option cannot be used with Temporary Chats, archived chats, group chats, chats created from a shared link, chats with scheduled tasks, or chats with meeting recordings.
The feature is rolling out to users on ChatGPT Free, Go, Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Edu plans. OpenAI says Locked Chats are not available on ChatGPT for Healthcare.
Because the rollout is happening gradually, not every user will see the option immediately. If the feature is not yet available in your ChatGPT app or account, it may appear in the coming days as OpenAI expands access.
Locked Chats add a practical privacy tool for people who use ChatGPT for personal planning, private reflection, work-related discussions, or sensitive topics. While it does not replace stronger security protections like encryption, it gives users more control over what others can see when accessing their device or browsing their ChatGPT history.
