OpenAI Adds PIN Locks to ChatGPT Chats With Privacy Limits

OpenAI began rolling out PIN-protected ChatGPT conversations Oct. 20, giving users a way to keep selected chats out of routine view while leaving the service’s data handling rules in place.

Users can set a four-digit PIN for a conversation. On supported devices, they can also unlock it with Face ID, Touch ID or a device unlock method. The conversation remains saved in the account under Projects > Locked chats, where the user can return to it.

A locked chat moves out of regular history and pinned chats. Search results may take time to update, however, and a device with the conversation already open may still show its title. An open web tab or a previously loaded iOS chat may continue to display content. Users should check open devices before sharing a screen or handing someone a device.

The PIN controls access within ChatGPT. It does not add end-to-end encryption, change how long a conversation is retained or alter the account’s “Improve the model for everyone” setting. In Enterprise and Edu workspaces, locked chats remain subject to organizational retention and compliance access.

Locking also does not remove information ChatGPT remembered before the conversation was locked. When Memory is enabled, locked chats have a separate memory shared within that section. New messages in a locked chat can update that memory without updating regular Memory.

Temporary Chats serve a different purpose: They do not appear in history, and users cannot lock them while they remain temporary. A user can save an eligible Temporary Chat as a regular conversation and then lock it. Archived chats, group chats, chats created from shared links, and chats with scheduled tasks or meeting recordings are also ineligible.

Resetting a forgotten PIN permanently deletes the locked chats, files and other content protected by the previous PIN. The feature is rolling out gradually across Free, Go, Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise and Edu plans. It is unavailable on ChatGPT for Healthcare.