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WhatsApp Rolls Out 'Restricted Chat' Feature to Boost User Privacy: What You Need to Know!
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News18•05-10-2026, 11:40
WhatsApp Rolls Out 'Restricted Chat' Feature to Boost User Privacy: What You Need to Know!
- •WhatsApp has introduced a new 'Restricted Chat' feature on a trial basis to enhance user privacy and security.
- •This feature replaces 'Advanced Chat Privacy' and is currently being tested with Android and iOS beta users.
- •When activated, photos and videos in a restricted chat will not auto-save, chat details cannot be exported, and Meta AI features are disabled.
- •Crucially, 'Restricted Chats' will only function on the primary mobile phone and will not be accessible on linked devices like WhatsApp Web.
- •The feature imposes four strict restrictions: no automatic media saving, inability to export chat history, Meta AI restrictions, and non-functionality on linked devices, preventing data theft from third-party apps.
Key Questions Answered
WhatsApp has introduced a trial feature called 'Restricted Chat' to take user privacy to the next level by replacing the former 'Advanced Chat Privacy' setting.
When activated, media is not automatically saved to your gallery, message details cannot be exported, Meta AI tools are blocked within that chat, and the chat will not work on linked devices or WhatsApp Web.
Restricted chats only work on the primary mobile phone to prevent third-party apps and unofficial clients from stealing data through the 'Linked Devices' feature.
