Openai Adds Pin-protected Locked Chats To Chatgpt
Locked Chats keeps selected conversations out of ordinary ChatGPT history and search, but does not change encryption, retention or model-training settings.
OpenAI is rolling out Locked Chats, a ChatGPT feature that lets users put selected conversations behind a four-digit PIN. The feature is intended to keep chats out of view when someone else can see a user’s screen or use their device, according to TechCrunch. It does not change how OpenAI stores or handles those conversations.
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How Locked Chats works
When a user locks a conversation, it moves out of regular chat history, pinned chats and conversation search results into a dedicated Locked Chats area. Users can return to those conversations after entering their PIN. Engadget says people using an iPhone or Android phone can also unlock them with device authentication such as Face ID; TechCrunch additionally lists Touch ID on supported devices.
Unlike Temporary Chats, which do not appear in chat history, locked conversations remain available for users to revisit, TechCrunch reports. Engadget says voice mode can be used with Locked Chats on iOS and Android, but Codex conversations cannot be locked.
Privacy limits and account settings
A locked chat is hidden from ordinary view, not end-to-end encrypted. According to both outlets, locking a conversation does not change OpenAI’s retention period or the user’s model-training settings. TechCrunch adds that the feature does not create a separate encrypted vault or erase information ChatGPT remembered before the chat was locked. Engadget reports that it does not alter OpenAI’s legal obligations in a workplace or legal matter.
TechCrunch says Locked Chats has a separate memory when Memory is enabled. New messages in locked conversations can update memory within that area, but not regular Memory. The outlet also reports that users cannot lock temporary or archived chats, group chats, chats created from a shared link, or chats with scheduled tasks or meeting recordings.
Forgetting a PIN has a significant consequence: resetting it permanently deletes the chats and files protected by the previous PIN. Engadget says OpenAI Support cannot recover that content.
Rollout and workplace relevance
The rollout is gradual, so the option may not appear for every user immediately. Engadget lists availability for Free, Go, Plus and Pro accounts. TechCrunch also lists Business, Enterprise and Edu plans, and says ChatGPT for Healthcare is excluded.
For people using ChatGPT in professional settings, Locked Chats may help prevent someone nearby or holding a device from seeing a conversation. It should not be mistaken for a change to how that conversation is retained, used for model improvement or handled under legal obligations. Users who may need to retrieve a locked exchange should also be aware that resetting the PIN deletes it permanently.
Sources
This story was compiled by AI from the reports below. Read the originals for the full details.