OpenAI has started rolling out Locked Chats, a feature that lets ChatGPT users hide specific conversations behind a 4-digit PIN or Face ID/Touch ID on mobile. Both Engadget and TechCrunch report that locked chats move to a dedicated section, separate from regular history, pinned chats, and search results, and that the feature is aimed at preventing people who borrow your phone or glance at your screen from seeing sensitive conversations.
The two sources agree on the key limitation: locking a chat is not end-to-end encryption and does not change how OpenAI stores or handles the conversation. Neither does it alter the "Improve the model for everyone" training setting or retention period. Engadget also notes that OpenAI explicitly says locked chats are not a way to avoid legal or workplace obligations.
Where they differ is in scope of availability and edge cases. TechCrunch lists support for Free, Go, Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Edu plans, and says the feature is unavailable for ChatGPT for Healthcare, while Engadget names Free, Go, Plus, and Pro. TechCrunch adds that locked chats are not available for temporary chats, archived chats, group chats, chats from shared links, scheduled tasks, or meeting recordings. Engadget adds that voice mode works with locked chats on mobile, but Codex conversations cannot be locked.
Both outlets warn that resetting a PIN permanently deletes all locked chats and related files, with no recovery possible. The rollout is gradual, so the option may take a few days to appear for all users.