OpenAI has added a new feature called locked chats that lets users shield certain conversations with a four‑digit PIN. When the option is turned on, users can decide whether a particular exchange shows up in the regular chat list, pinned chats, or conversation search. Access to these private threads requires entering the PIN, and on iPhone or Android devices users can also unlock them with biometric methods such as Face ID.
Locked chats appear in a separate project labeled “Locked chats,” making it easier to keep sensitive dialogues out of view when the phone is in public or handed to someone else. OpenAI stresses that the feature does not provide end‑to‑end encryption and does not exempt users from the company’s legal responsibilities, including any workplace or law‑enforcement inquiries.
According to a newly published support page, enabling locked chats does not automatically alter model‑training settings or affect how long OpenAI retains the data. However, resetting the account PIN will erase all locked chats and any files stored in the associated project space. The company warns that this deletion is permanent and cannot be recovered by OpenAI Support.
The rollout of locked chats is being done gradually. Users who do not see the option immediately may have to wait a few days for it to appear. The feature will be available to free accounts as well as to subscribers of the Go, Plus, and Pro plans. On both Android and iOS, voice mode can be used together with locked chats, although conversations with Codex cannot be protected by this feature.