WhatsApp Tests Restricted Chat With Additional Privacy Controls
WhatsApp is rolling out a new Restricted Chat feature to selected Android and iPhone beta users, giving participants more control over individual conversations.
According to beta testing reports, the feature updates Advanced Chat Privacy and introduces an additional restriction: keeping selected chats accessible only on participants’ primary phones.
What Restricted Chat Does
When enabled, Restricted Chat applies four controls to the conversation:
- Stops shared media from being automatically saved to the device’s gallery.
- Prevents the conversation from being exported.
- Disables Meta AI features within the chat.
- Blocks access to the conversation through linked devices.
The linked-device restriction means participants must use their primary phones to send and receive messages in that conversation.
Users Must Enable It Manually
Restricted Chat is optional and switched off by default. Eligible users can activate it from a conversation’s chat information screen.
WhatsApp then displays a notice informing participants that the restrictions are active. Reports indicate that the current rollout applies to individual conversations.
Blocking linked-device access also limits access through unofficial clients or AI agents that depend on that connection.
Who Can Access the Feature?
The rollout has been identified in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.39.11 and iOS version 26.39.10.20.
Availability is gradual, so installing a compatible beta version does not guarantee that the option will appear immediately. Some users may continue to see Advanced Chat Privacy until the updated feature reaches their accounts.
End-to-End Encryption Remains in Place
Restricted Chat adds controls over access and handling of conversation content. Personal messages and calls remain protected by end-to-end encryption whether the option is enabled or disabled.
The feature’s distinctive addition is the ability to keep selected conversations off linked devices while retaining the existing limits on exports, automatic media saving and Meta AI use.
Wider Release Date Remains Unannounced
As of the reported beta rollout, WhatsApp has not announced when Restricted Chat will become available to all users.
Its availability and behaviour may change as testing continues.