Key Takeaways
- WhatsApp has begun testing Restricted Chat for some users.
- The feature restricts media saving, chat exporting, and AI access.
- End-to-end encryption remains active regardless of Restricted Chat status.
WhatsApp has started rolling out a new feature called Restricted Chat to some users in its beta programs for Android and iOS.
This feature, which was first spotted in development last month, is an upgrade to Advanced Chat Privacy and is currently available to users running WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.36.4 and WhatsApp beta for iOS version 26.39.10.20.
According to WABetaInfo, Restricted Chat is optional and must be manually enabled by users from the chat info screen.
Once enabled, the feature applies four restrictions to the chat: users cannot automatically save media to their devices, export the chat, use Meta AI features inside the conversation, or access the chat through linked devices.
WhatsApp claims that blocking linked-device access can help prevent unauthorized clients or AI agents from accessing the conversation.
The company assures that messages and calls remain protected by end-to-end encryption, even when Restricted Chat is enabled.
At present, the feature is limited to users enrolled in WhatsApp’s beta program and a public rollout has not yet been announced.
For now, the new feature is only available to a select group of users, with the full rollout timeline remaining uncertain.
