- The new PIN system allows you to hide specific chats from your history and search results.
- It is possible to access protected conversations using numeric codes or biometrics (FaceID/TouchID).
- There is an option to disable global history to prevent data from training the AI.
- Resetting the PIN will result in the irreversible loss of all locked chats.
You've probably experienced using ChatGPT for everything, from organizing work to venting about very personal issues, but then you get the fear that someone might get hold of your phone or use your computer and end up reading things you'd rather keep private. That's normal, because until recently, chat history was an open book for anyone with access to the device.
The good news is that OpenAI has stepped up its game and launched tools to give you complete control over your privacy. Now you can not only prevent your data from being used to train AI, but there's also a way to lock specific conversations so they don't appear in the main menu.
How to lock down your chats with a PIN system
OpenAI has implemented a much-anticipated feature that allows users to lock individual conversations with a PIN code. Best of all, this option isn't exclusive to paid users; it's gradually rolling out to all profiles, including the free plan. When the lock is activated, the chat disappears immediately from the overall chat history, the pinned chats list, and even the app's internal search results.
To access these private chats, the system will ask for your configured PIN code , or, if you're using an Apple device, you can take advantage of the convenience of Face ID or Touch ID. All these conversation threads are grouped in a special section called " Blocked Chats ," which maintains the order and discretion we're looking for.
However, there are a couple of things you should keep in mind to avoid any unpleasant surprises. First, this blocking feature provides visibility, but it doesn't involve end-to-end encryption ; in other words, it protects your privacy from prying eyes, but it doesn't change how OpenAI manages data internally. Second, be very careful with your PIN: if you forget it, the only solution is to reset it, but be aware that doing so will permanently delete all blocked chats and their associated files, and even technical support won't be able to recover them.
Steps to block a specific chat
- Open the conversation you want to hide and access the Option menu of the chat.
- Search and select the alternative of block conversation.
- Confirm the action and, if it's the first time, Create your PIN code staff.
The radical alternative: disable the entire history.
If you're not looking to hide a specific chat, but rather to ensure ChatGPT doesn't keep any trace of your interactions, there's a more drastic option in the privacy settings. By disabling history and training, new conversations you open won't be recorded in the sidebar and, most importantly, won't be used to improve the company's AI models.
It's important to clarify that even if you disable this feature, OpenAI retains the data for 30 days . They don't do this out of curiosity, but to monitor for system abuse before proceeding with permanent deletion. When this option is active, you'll notice that the message box turns black , indicating that you're in private mode.
How to disable data logging step by step
- Log into your account and click on the three dots next to your Username.
- In the drop-down menu, make sure the section for data controls be visible (if it appears as "Hide", change it to "Show").
- Go to "Settings" and locate the switch "Chat history & Training".
- Move the switch to the left to turn it off.
With these tools, whether using selective PIN locking for those compromising chats or disabling global history for maximum privacy, you can continue to take advantage of AI without fear of your secrets being exposed at the first slip-up with your phone or computer.