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WhatsApp Rolls Out New Restricted Chat Feature to Beta Users on Android and iOS
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News18•05-10-2026, 16:00
WhatsApp Rolls Out New Restricted Chat Feature to Beta Users on Android and iOS
- •WhatsApp is rolling out a new optional Restricted Chat feature to select beta users on Android and iOS platforms.
- •The feature introduces four main restrictions, including blocking automatic media saves, chat exports, Meta AI usage, and linked device access within the conversation.
- •WhatsApp states that these measures prevent participants from using unofficial clients or AI agents to access the chat.
- •End-to-end encryption remains fully active and unchanged for conversations where Restricted Chat is enabled.
- •The feature is currently exclusive to the beta program, with no official release date announced for the general public.
Key Questions Answered
WhatsApp has started rolling out its new Restricted Chat feature to select beta users on Android running version 2.26.36.4 and iOS running version 26.39.10.20. This optional feature introduces four specific restrictions to enhance privacy within individual conversations.
Once enabled manually from the chat info screen, Restricted Chat prevents participants from automatically saving media to their devices, exporting the chat, using Meta AI features within the conversation, or accessing the chat through linked devices.
No, enabling the Restricted Chat feature does not change the encryption status of conversations. Messages and calls remain fully protected by end-to-end encryption whether the feature is turned on or off.
