WhatsApp Restricted Chat: New Privacy Feature Arrives for Beta Users

WhatsApp is testing a new privacy-focused feature called Restricted Chat, giving users more control over sensitive conversations. The feature is an upgraded version of the existing Advanced Chat Privacy option and is currently being rolled out to selected beta testers on Android and iOS.

According to reports from WABetaInfo, Restricted Chat introduces additional restrictions designed to prevent private conversations from being accessed or transferred through certain methods.

What Is WhatsApp Restricted Chat?

Restricted Chat is an optional privacy setting that users can manually enable for supported conversations. It is not turned on automatically for every WhatsApp chat.

Once enabled, WhatsApp displays a notification inside the conversation informing participants that additional restrictions have been applied.

The feature builds on Advanced Chat Privacy but adds another important protection: restricted conversations cannot be accessed through linked devices.

Four Major Restrictions

When Restricted Chat is enabled, WhatsApp applies several limitations to the conversation.

1. Media Isn't Automatically Saved

Photos and videos shared in a restricted conversation will not automatically be saved to the device's gallery. This helps reduce the possibility of private media being stored outside WhatsApp without the user's awareness.

2. Chat Export Is Disabled

Participants cannot export the conversation's complete message history while Restricted Chat is active. This provides an additional barrier against moving an entire private conversation outside WhatsApp.

3. Meta AI Features Are Restricted

WhatsApp also prevents users from using Meta AI features within a Restricted Chat. This is intended to stop conversation content from being sent to AI-related features.

4. Linked Devices Cannot Access the Chat

One of the biggest changes is that Restricted Chat limits the conversation to the user's primary phone.

The restricted conversation will not be available through linked devices such as WhatsApp Web or other connected devices. WhatsApp says this can help prevent unofficial clients and AI agents from accessing private conversations through linked-device connections.

End-to-End Encryption Remains Active

WhatsApp has emphasized that Restricted Chat is an additional privacy control rather than a replacement for its standard security protections.

Messages and calls remain protected by end-to-end encryption, whether or not Restricted Chat is enabled. WhatsApp's standard encryption means the contents of conversations are not readable by WhatsApp or other third parties.

How to Enable Restricted Chat

For beta users who have access to the feature, Restricted Chat can be enabled manually from the chat information screen.

Users can open the relevant conversation, access its information/settings page and look for the Restricted Chat option. The feature is disabled by default, so it must be activated for individual conversations.

At the moment, reports indicate that the feature is available for individual chats, although WhatsApp could expand its functionality in future updates.

WhatsApp Restricted Chat Availability

Restricted Chat is currently being tested with selected beta users.

The feature has been reported in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.36.4 and WhatsApp beta for iOS version 26.39.10.20. Availability is still limited, and WhatsApp has not announced a specific date for the stable public release.

Users who don't see the option in their beta version may need to wait until WhatsApp expands the rollout.

A Stronger Privacy Layer for Sensitive Conversations

Restricted Chat could be particularly useful for people who regularly exchange confidential information through WhatsApp. By preventing chat exports, restricting media saving, disabling Meta AI access and blocking linked-device access, the feature provides more control over how conversation data can leave the primary phone.

However, Restricted Chat should not be considered a guarantee that content can never be copied or shared. Users should still be careful when sharing sensitive information.

Final Thoughts

WhatsApp's new Restricted Chat feature represents a significant upgrade to its existing Advanced Chat Privacy system. The addition of primary-device-only access is especially notable because it addresses another potential route through which private conversations could be accessed.

The feature is currently limited to beta testers, and it remains unclear when WhatsApp will make Restricted Chat available to everyone.