Nov 2, 2026

ChatGPT Locked Chats: how to hide a chat behind a PIN

ChatGPT Locked Chats hides chosen conversations behind a 4-digit PIN. Here's how to lock a chat, where it goes, and why resetting the PIN deletes it.

Sir Toastimir

Footage: OpenAI · anim: agentoast

ChatGPT Locked Chats moves chosen conversations out of your regular history, pinned chats and search, and puts them behind a 4-digit account PIN. OpenAI started rolling it out gradually on Oct 20, 2026.

How to lock a chat

Open the chat, open its ••• menu and choose Lock chat. The first time, ChatGPT asks you to create a 4-digit account PIN. On supported phones you can also open locked chats with Face ID, Touch ID or your device unlock. On desktop it needs the new ChatGPT app for macOS or Windows.

Where locked chats go

They disappear from your chat history, pinned chats and search. You find them under Projects > Locked chats. New messages in a locked chat don't update the memory used in your regular chats.

The catch: don't forget the PIN

If you forget the PIN and reset it, ChatGPT permanently deletes all your locked chats, any memories stored only in them, and their files. OpenAI says Support can't recover them. Changing your PIN while you still know the current one keeps your chats. Too many wrong attempts temporarily blocks access.

What it isn't

Locking is not end-to-end encryption. It doesn't change data retention or the "Improve the model for everyone" setting, and it doesn't remove memories saved before you locked the chat. Workspace admins can't reset your PIN or open your locked chats.

Who gets it

Free, Go, Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise and Edu plans; not ChatGPT for Healthcare. Some chats can't be locked: temporary, archived and group chats, chats created from a shared link, and chats with scheduled tasks or meeting recordings.

Visuals in the video

Footage is from OpenAI's Locked Chats announcement video.