OpenAI announced on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the launch of Locked Chats, a feature that allows users to lock and hide conversations on ChatGPT using a PIN code. Announced on X, it is being rolled out gradually on web, desktop, iOS, and Android versions, and should be accessible to all users. According to the message posted by the official ChatGPT account, it applies to Free, Go, Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Edu plans.
Invisible conversations, but not ephemeral
A locked conversation disappears from the history, the list of pinned conversations, and search results. It is moved to a new space, called Locked Chats, located in the Projects tab of the sidebar. Files imported or generated during the exchange are also hidden. According to OpenAI, the feature is “useful for hiding sensitive exchanges when you share your screen or use a shared device.” New messages sent in a locked conversation do not affect the memory used in ordinary conversations.
Locked Chats is distinct from ephemeral chat, offered by ChatGPT since February 2024. In that mode, activated by the button in the top right of the interface, the conversation does not appear in history, is not stored permanently, and is not used to train OpenAI’s models. A locked conversation, however, is saved and remains subject to the settings chosen by the user. Therefore, locking does not disable the “Improve the model for everyone” option if it is enabled. It also does not delete information memorized by the chatbot before locking and does not change the retention period of the discussion. Finally, OpenAI specifies that the conversation is not end-to-end encrypted, meaning only the sender and recipient can read its content.
To reopen locked conversations, simply enter the four-digit PIN code configured during first use. This code is linked to the account and works on all devices connected to it. On iOS, Face ID or Touch ID can be used as a supplement. On Android, the company indicates it is possible to use “your device’s unlock method when available,” according to its help page.
If the PIN code is forgotten, resetting it permanently deletes all locked conversations, as well as “files and content protected only by your old PIN.” Conversely, changing the PIN code, which requires entering the old one, does not erase any data.
How to lock a conversation
To protect a conversation, first open a new chat with ChatGPT, then click the (•••) icon to open the menu. Next, simply select Lock chat and confirm. The final step is to create a four-digit PIN code, then enter it a second time to validate it. The conversation then moves to the Locked Chats space, from which the user can start new locked conversations once the code is created.
As the rollout is gradual, the feature may not yet be available on some accounts. On desktop, you need to download the latest version of the macOS or Windows application. On iOS and Android, an app update is also required.
