WhatsApp Restricted Chat Feature Rolls Out to Android and iPhone Beta Users

WhatsApp is expanding its privacy features with a new Restricted Chat option, which is now rolling out to selected beta testers on both Android and iOS.

The new feature is an enhanced version of WhatsApp's Advanced Chat Privacy system. It gives users greater control over individual conversations by introducing additional restrictions designed to prevent messages and media from being accessed or shared through certain channels.

Restricted Chat is currently available to a limited number of beta users, and WhatsApp has not yet confirmed when it will reach the stable version.

What Is WhatsApp Restricted Chat?

Restricted Chat is an optional privacy feature that users can activate for individual conversations. Instead of applying additional restrictions to every chat, WhatsApp allows users to choose specific conversations where they want stronger controls.

The option can be accessed through the chat information screen. Once enabled, WhatsApp applies several restrictions to participants in that conversation.

Importantly, WhatsApp says its normal end-to-end encryption remains active regardless of whether Restricted Chat is enabled. The new feature is therefore an additional privacy and control layer rather than a replacement for encryption.

Four Restrictions Included

When Restricted Chat is enabled, WhatsApp introduces four main limitations:

• Media cannot be automatically saved to the device.
• Chat exports are disabled, preventing participants from exporting the conversation.
• Meta AI features are unavailable within the restricted conversation.
• Linked devices cannot access the restricted chat, keeping the conversation limited to the primary phone.

The final restriction is one of the biggest changes compared with the previous Advanced Chat Privacy feature. It is intended to make it harder for unofficial clients or AI agents operating through linked-device channels to access the conversation.

Restricted Chats Stay on the Primary Phone

The ability to restrict a conversation to the primary device is particularly notable.

WhatsApp normally allows users to connect their account to additional devices. With Restricted Chat enabled, however, the selected conversation is kept on the user's main smartphone rather than being available through linked devices.

This provides another layer of control for users who want certain conversations to remain accessible only from their primary phone.

Available on Android and iOS Beta

WhatsApp is testing the feature across both major mobile platforms.

On Android, Restricted Chat is being distributed through WhatsApp beta version 2.26.39.11 to selected testers. On iPhone, the feature has been spotted in beta version 26.39.10.20 through TestFlight.

The rollout is gradual, meaning that installing the latest beta version does not necessarily guarantee that the option will immediately appear.

How to Enable Restricted Chat

Users who have received the feature can access it from the relevant conversation's Chat Info screen.

After selecting the Restricted Chat option, WhatsApp explains the restrictions before allowing the user to activate them. Once enabled, the restrictions apply to everyone participating in that conversation who is using a compatible version of WhatsApp.

The feature remains optional, so users can continue using regular WhatsApp chats normally.

Why WhatsApp Is Introducing the Feature

WhatsApp previously offered Advanced Chat Privacy, but the company appears to be changing the name and expanding its functionality to make its purpose clearer.

The new name emphasizes that the feature is about restricting what can be done with a particular conversation, rather than suggesting that ordinary WhatsApp chats are not secure.

WhatsApp already protects messages and calls with end-to-end encryption. Restricted Chat adds additional controls for users who want more limitations around specific conversations.

When Will Restricted Chat Be Available to Everyone?

For now, Restricted Chat remains a beta feature and is being gradually distributed to selected Android and iOS testers.

WhatsApp has not announced an official date for the stable release. The company could continue testing the feature and make additional changes before rolling it out to the wider user base.

For users who do not see Restricted Chat yet, there is no indication that anything is wrong with their account—the feature is simply being released gradually.

WhatsApp Continues to Strengthen Privacy

Restricted Chat represents another step in WhatsApp's efforts to give users more control over sensitive conversations.

By preventing media from being automatically saved, disabling chat exports, restricting Meta AI access and blocking linked-device access, the feature provides significantly more control than a standard conversation.

For now, users will need access to the WhatsApp beta program to try it. A broader public rollout is expected eventually, although WhatsApp has yet to confirm when that will happen.