Have you ever felt the need to keep a certain WhatsApp conversation hidden from prying eyes? In today's world, keeping your conversations private is a real concern, whether it's a private conversation with a loved one or a sensitive work-related discussion. Fortunately, WhatsApp offers a variety of ways to conceal conversations, guaranteeing your privacy.

In this in-depth guide, we'll go over different methods for how to hide chats in WhatsApp. We've got you covered with step-by-step instructions to keep your conversations private and secure, from archiving conversations to using third-party apps.

In this article
    1. How Can I Hide a Chat on WhatsApp
    2. How Do You Hide Chats on WhatsApp (Multiple)
    3. How to Hide WhatsApp Chats Permanently
    1. How to Hide a WhatsApp Chat
    2. How to Hide Multiple WhatsApp Chats on iPhone
    3. How to Hide WhatsApp Chats Permanently on iPhone
    1. Method 1: Hide WhatsApp Chats with Fingerprint or Face ID
    2. Method 2: How to Hide WhatsApp Chat with GBWhatsApp
    3. Method 3: How to Hide Chats in WhatsApp with Password

How to Hide WhatsApp Chat on Android

If you are an Android user, we offer you multiple methods to hide your WhatsApp chats. You can either hide a single chat or multiple chats together. Check out how below.

Method 1: How Can I Hide a Chat on WhatsApp

One of the simplest ways to hide a WhatsApp chat on Android is by archiving it. Archiving a chat removes it from your main chat list, effectively hiding it from view.

Here's how to hide a chat on WhatsApp:

Step 1: Open WhatsApp on your Android device. Long-press on the chat you want to hide.

how to hide chats in whatsapp archive

Step 2: Select the "Archive Chat" option from the menu that appears.

The chat will now be moved to the "Archived Chats" section, which you can access by tapping on the three-dot menu icon and selecting "Archived Chats." To unhide an archived chat, simply open the archived chat, and it will be moved back to your main chat list.

icon note
Note: If you are not sure if your WhatsApp is safe, you might also want to know if your WhatsApp status and messages are monitored. Click to read more.

Method 2: How Do You Hide Chats on WhatsApp (Multiple)

If you want to hide multiple chats at once, WhatsApp offers a convenient way to do so. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Open WhatsApp on your Android device. Tap and hold on to the first chat you want to hide.

archive multiple chats

Step 2: Select the additional chats you want to hide by tapping on them. Once you've selected all the desired chats, tap on the "Archive" icon from the top menu.

All the selected chats will now be moved to the "Archived Chats" section, effectively hiding them from your main chat list.

Method 3: How to Hide WhatsApp Chats Permanently

If you don't want to rely on archiving, WhatsApp offers an alternative method to hide chats on the main screen without sending them to the "Archived Chats" section.

Follow these steps for how to hide a message on WhatsApp:

Step 1: From the WhatsApp main screen, tap on the three-dot menu icon and select "Settings.". In the Settings menu, choose "Chats," then scroll down and enable the "Keep Chats Archived" option.

keep chats archived android

Step 2: Return to the WhatsApp main screen. Identify the chats you want to hide and long-press on them. Once selected, tap on the down-arrow icon that appears at the top of the screen.

By following these steps, the selected chats will disappear from your main chat list, effectively hiding them without archiving. However, you can still access these hidden chats by tapping on the "New Chat" icon and selecting the desired chat from the list.

This method allows you to keep your chats hidden from the main screen while still enabling you to access them whenever needed. It's a useful alternative to archiving, especially if you want to keep certain chats out of sight but easily accessible.

How to Hide WhatsApp Chat on iPhone

For iPhone users, the methods are a bit different. But we also have multiple solutions. To know how, keep reading.

Method 1: How to Hide a WhatsApp Chat

Just like on Android, you can easily hide a WhatsApp chat on your iPhone by archiving it. Here's how:

Step 1: Open WhatsApp on your iPhone. Now, select the chat and swipe left.

archive chats iphone to hide whatsapp chats on iphone

Step 2: Tap on the "Archive" option.

The chat will now be moved to the "Archived Chats" section, which you can access by scrolling down to the bottom of your chat list. To unhide an archived chat, simply open the archived chat, and it will be moved back to your main chat list.

Method 2: How to Hide Multiple WhatsApp Chats on iPhone

If you want to hide multiple chats at once on your iPhone, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open WhatsApp on your iPhone. Tap on the "Edit" button in the top-right corner of the chat list.

hide multiple chats on iphone via archive

Step 2: Select the chats you want to hide by tapping on the circle next to each chat. Tap on the "Archive" button at the bottom of the screen.

All the selected chats will now be moved to the "Archived Chats" section, effectively hiding them from your main chat list.

Method 3: How to Hide WhatsApp Chats Permanently on iPhone

Similar to Android, WhatsApp for iPhone offers a way to hide chats without sending them to the "Archived Chats" section. Follow these simple steps to hide chat in WhatsApp app:

Step 1: Launch WhatsApp on your iPhone and navigate to the Settings menu by tapping on the gear icon or the "Settings" option. Within the Settings menu, locate and select the "Chats" section.

keep chats archived iphone to hide chat in whatsapp app

Step 2: Scroll down through the available options until you find the "Keep Chats Archived" feature. Tap the toggle switch to enable this option.

Once you've enabled the "Keep Chats Archived" feature, any chat you archive will remain hidden from your main chat list until you manually unhide it. To hide a chat, simply swipe left on the desired chat and tap the "Archive" button.

This method allows you to keep your chats hidden from the main screen while still retaining the ability to access them whenever needed. It's a useful alternative to archiving if you want to keep certain chats out of sight but easily accessible on your iPhone.

How to Hide WhatsApp Chats Without Archive

For WhatsApp chats, you can archive and unarchive them. But not many people know that you can hide WhatsApp chats without archive. If you do not feel like using the archive feature, this part is for you. Check these out.

Hide WhatsApp Chats with Fingerprint or Face ID

You will be happy to know that WhatsApp now has the feature to protect your chats with your fingerprint and Face ID on Android and iPhones. If you enable this feature, you won't have to enable the archive feature and won't miss important messages. And your privacy is better protected.

Steps to Enable Fingerprint or Face ID:

  1. Head to Settings.
  2. Hit on Account and head to Privacy.
  3. Scroll down, and you will get the option Fingerprint Lock.

    Note: Follow the same steps and select Touch Id or Face ID in case you are using an iPhone

  4. Hit Fingerprint Lock / Face ID / Touch ID and toggle to turn it on.
    hide multiple chats on iphone without archive

How to Hide WhatsApp Chat with GB WhatsApp

The GB WhatsApp is a popular mod of WhatsApp. It comes with numerous security features, including hiding chats and more. But the matter of concern is that if WhatsApp discovers that you own GB WhatsApp, your account can be penalized.

Steps to Hide Chats on GB WhatsApp:

    1. Download the GB version of WhatsApp on your device.
    2. Open the application and head to the chat. If you wish to hide, long-press to select.
    3. Once selected, hit the three-dotdrop-down.
    4. From the available options, hit on Hide.
    5. You will be prompted to set up a pattern lock.
    6. Draw the pattern, and all the selected chats will be hidden.
      hide chats on gb whatsapp

Steps to Unhide Chats on GB WhatsApp:

      1. Choose the contacts that you wish to unhide, tap the three-dot menu.
      2. From the available options, hit Unhide Chat.
        unhide chats on gb whatsapp

How to Hide Chats in WhatsApp with Password

It is perfectly doable if you wish not to archive the chats but lock your WhatsApp instead. You will have to do it using a third-party application, and plenty of such apps are available on the Play Store.

Steps to Lock WhatsApp with a Third-Party App:

      1. Set a password or a pattern.
      2. After setting the passcode, you will see a screen full of apps running soon on your device. Choose the ones you wish to lock. Here, choose WhatsApp.
        safeguard whatsapp with third party app

[BONUS] How to Keep Track of Your Friend's Online Status and Activities

While hiding your own WhatsApp chats is essential for privacy, you might also want to keep track of your friends' online status and activities. The "WaLastSeen" app for Android can help you with this.

walastseen android app

WaLastSeen Android app allows you to:

      • View the last seen and online status of your WhatsApp contacts.
      • Monitor when your contacts were last online.
      • See if your contacts are currently online or typing.
      • Set reminders to check your friends' online status.
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Note: If you want to check whether two persons are chatting on WhatsApp, you can also use WaLastseen to compare the chat probability.

Back Up and Hide WhatsApp Chats and Other Data on PC

If you're looking for a more comprehensive solution to back up and hide your WhatsApp chats, along with other data like photos, videos, and documents, consider using MobileTrans - Backup & Restore. This powerful tool allows you to transfer, back up, and manage your WhatsApp data across multiple devices, including Android, iPhone, and even your PC.

With MobileTrans, you can:

      • Back up your WhatsApp chats, attachments, and other data to your computer.
      • Transfer WhatsApp data between devices, including Android to iPhone or vice versa.
      • Restore backed-up WhatsApp data to your device or a new device.

Wondershare MobileTrans

Back Up Your WhatsApp Data to Computer Easily

  • • No data loss. No data leaks.
  • • Also transfer WhatsApp data between your iPhone and Android.
  • • Compatible with thousands of device types acorss Android and iOS.
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Here are the simple steps to use MobileTrans to transfer your WhatsApp chats to your PC:

Step 1: From the official website, download and install MobileTrans on your computer. Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone or Android device to your computer. Within the MobileTrans app, navigate to "Backup & Restore > App Backup & Restore".

wondershare mobiletrans app backup

Step 2: Select "WhatsApp" from the list of available apps.

use mobiletrans whatsapp backup to hide a whatsapp chat on pc

Step 3: Once your device is connected, click the "Start" button to initiate the backup process. For iPhone users, no further action is required during the backup. However, for Android users, the software will provide detailed prompts on how to proceed with the backup process. Follow the on-screen instructions and any pop-up windows that appear.

choose data types to hide whatsapp chats on the computer

Step 3: Keep your device connected to the computer throughout the entire backup process. MobileTrans will notify you once the backup is complete. Enter your WhatsApp account phone number when prompted, and follow the on-screen instructions.

log in to whatsapp

Step 4: To restore your WhatsApp messages, locate the WhatsApp backup record within the MobileTrans app and click on it to initiate the restoration process. The app will convert the data and restore it to your device. Once the restoration is complete, you will see a confirmation window indicating the successful transfer of your WhatsApp data.

restore whatsapp backup

By following these steps, you can easily back up and restore your WhatsApp chats and data using the MobileTrans application. This will ensure that your conversations are safely backed up and can be accessed on multiple devices.

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Conclusion

Hiding WhatsApp chats is a simple yet effective way to maintain your privacy and keep sensitive conversations discreet. Whether you're using an Android or iPhone device, WhatsApp offers built-in archiving features, and various third-party apps can provide additional security and permanent chat hiding options.

By following the methods outlined in this guide, you can easily hide individual chats, multiple chats, or even hide chats permanently on both Android and iPhone devices. Remember, while hiding chats can be useful, it's equally important to respect the privacy of others and use these tools responsibly and ethically.

FAQ

  • How to hide archived chats on WhatsApp?
    Hiding the archived chats on WhatsApp is easy. All you have to do is just go to chats settings and enable the option Keep Chats Archived. Once you enable this feature, you will not receive any notification from the archived chats.
  • How to hide WhatsApp chats without deleting?
    Use the Archive chat option if you wish to hide your WhatsApp chats but do not want to delete them. It will send the particular to the Archived section and disappear from the primary chat list.
  • Can I hide a WhatsApp group chat?
    Yes, you can hide group chats on WhatsApp using the same methods as hiding individual chats.
  • Do I need to root or jailbreak my device to use third-party apps for hiding chats?
    No, you don't need to root or jailbreak your device to use most third-party apps for hiding WhatsApp chats. However, some apps may require additional permissions or access to function properly.
Axel Nash
Axel Nash Nov 13, 24
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