ChatGPT Adds PIN-Protected Locked Chats

OpenAI introduced a feature on Tuesday that lets users lock individual ChatGPT conversations, keeping sensitive chats out of sight when someone else is using their screen or device. Locked chats can be secured with a four-digit PIN, or with Face ID or Touch ID where supported.

Unlike Temporary Chats, which run in a separate session that never appears in chat history, Locked Chats can be reopened whenever the user wants. Once locked, a conversation moves to a dedicated "Locked Chats" section, kept apart from regular history, pinned conversations and search results. OpenAI says the tool suits personal discussions or surprise planning when a device gets handed to friends or family.

The company is clear about the limits. Locking a chat does not add end-to-end encryption or create a separate encrypted vault, and it does not change retention periods, erase what ChatGPT already remembered before the lock, or alter the "Improve the model for everyone" setting. With Memory on, Locked Chats keeps its own memory that stays separate from regular chats, so new details shared there won't surface elsewhere. Resetting a PIN permanently deletes all locked chats, files and other protected content.

The option won't work with temporary chats, archived chats, group chats, chats made from a shared link, chats with scheduled tasks, or chats with meeting recordings. It rolls out Tuesday across Free, Go, Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise and Edu plans, though not on ChatGPT for Healthcare, and may take time to reach everyone.