Now in ChatGPT, you can hide conversations with a PIN code or Face ID

OpenAI has launched a private chats feature in ChatGPT. Now users can hide individual conversations behind a four-digit PIN code, Face ID, Touch ID, or device unlock. The feature is useful when you need to hand your phone or laptop to someone else without exposing your personal conversations.

Private chats remain in your account but disappear from the general history, pinned chats, and regular search. They are moved to a separate “Private Chats” section within “Projects.”

The feature is available on Free, Go, Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Edu plans. It works in the web version, the new desktop ChatGPT app for macOS and Windows, as well as on iOS and Android. The rollout is gradual, starting October 20, so some users may see the feature later.

To lock a chat, open its menu, select “Lock Chat,” and create a PIN code. You can unlock the conversation again using the PIN code or biometrics. Access is automatically locked: in the browser after refreshing or closing the tab, and on mobile approximately one minute after exiting the app.

Files uploaded or created in private chats are also protected. Private chats can use ChatGPT memory, but new information from them does not carry over into regular conversations. Temporary, archived, group chats, and chats with scheduled tasks cannot be locked.

You can change your PIN code without losing conversations if you remember the current one. However, if you reset a forgotten PIN, all private chats and their associated files will be deleted permanently with no option to recover them.

OpenAI clarifies that private chats do not use end-to-end encryption and do not alter data storage settings. The feature protects conversations from prying eyes on the device.

Source: OpenAI Help Center