WhatsApp's new restricted chat feature is rolling out
WhatsApp is rolling out a new privacy feature called Restricted Chat, which gives users more control over where a conversation can be accessed and what can be done with it. For now, the feature is available to some users in WhatsApp’s beta programmes on Android and iPhone.
What is Restricted Chat
Restricted Chat is an upgrade to WhatsApp’s existing Advanced Chat Privacy setting, and replaces it with a clearer name. Like the earlier setting, it is optional and switched off by default.
The biggest change is that a restricted conversation stays only on each participant’s primary phone. It will not appear on WhatsApp Web, the desktop app or other linked devices.
What it does
Once Restricted Chat is turned on for a conversation, four limits apply: Media shared in the chat is not saved automatically to the phone’s gallery. Nobody in the chat can export the conversation. Meta AI features cannot be used inside the chat. The chat is not available on linked devices. These limits apply to both people in the conversation, not just the person who switches it on. When the feature is enabled, WhatsApp shows a message in the chat so everyone knows the restrictions are active.
advetisement WhatsApp says messages and calls remain end-to-end encrypted whether Restricted Chat is on or off.
How to turn on Restricted Chat
Open the individual chat you want to restrict. Tap the contact’s name at the top to open the chat info screen. Scroll down and tap Restricted Chat. Turn it on. At present, the feature works only in one-to-one chats, not groups.
Why linked devices matter
Many people stay logged in to WhatsApp on a work laptop, a shared computer or an old device they have forgotten about. Each linked device is another place where messages can be seen. Keeping sensitive chats on the primary phone reduces that risk.
When will everyone get it?
WhatsApp has not announced when Restricted Chat will reach all users. Even among beta testers, it is rolling out gradually, so installing the latest beta does not guarantee access. The feature may also change before its wider release.
What you can do now
Until the feature reaches you, check which devices are linked to your account. Open WhatsApp, go to Linked Devices and log out of any device you do not recognise or no longer use.
News 18
WhatsApp is rolling out a new privacy feature called Restricted Chat, which gives users more control over where a conversation can be accessed and what can be done with it. For now, the feature is available to some users in WhatsApp’s beta programmes on Android and iPhone.
What is Restricted Chat
Restricted Chat is an upgrade to WhatsApp’s existing Advanced Chat Privacy setting, and replaces it with a clearer name. Like the earlier setting, it is optional and switched off by default.
The biggest change is that a restricted conversation stays only on each participant’s primary phone. It will not appear on WhatsApp Web, the desktop app or other linked devices.
What it does
Once Restricted Chat is turned on for a conversation, four limits apply: Media shared in the chat is not saved automatically to the phone’s gallery. Nobody in the chat can export the conversation. Meta AI features cannot be used inside the chat. The chat is not available on linked devices. These limits apply to both people in the conversation, not just the person who switches it on. When the feature is enabled, WhatsApp shows a message in the chat so everyone knows the restrictions are active.
advetisement WhatsApp says messages and calls remain end-to-end encrypted whether Restricted Chat is on or off.
How to turn on Restricted Chat
Open the individual chat you want to restrict. Tap the contact’s name at the top to open the chat info screen. Scroll down and tap Restricted Chat. Turn it on. At present, the feature works only in one-to-one chats, not groups.
Why linked devices matter
Many people stay logged in to WhatsApp on a work laptop, a shared computer or an old device they have forgotten about. Each linked device is another place where messages can be seen. Keeping sensitive chats on the primary phone reduces that risk.
When will everyone get it?
WhatsApp has not announced when Restricted Chat will reach all users. Even among beta testers, it is rolling out gradually, so installing the latest beta does not guarantee access. The feature may also change before its wider release.
What you can do now
Until the feature reaches you, check which devices are linked to your account. Open WhatsApp, go to Linked Devices and log out of any device you do not recognise or no longer use.
News 18
WhatsApp is rolling out a new privacy feature called Restricted Chat, which gives users more control over where a conversation can be accessed and what can be done with it. For now, the feature is available to some users in WhatsApp’s beta programmes on Android and iPhone.
What is Restricted Chat
Restricted Chat is an upgrade to WhatsApp’s existing Advanced Chat Privacy setting, and replaces it with a clearer name. Like the earlier setting, it is optional and switched off by default.
The biggest change is that a restricted conversation stays only on each participant’s primary phone. It will not appear on WhatsApp Web, the desktop app or other linked devices.
What it does
Once Restricted Chat is turned on for a conversation, four limits apply: Media shared in the chat is not saved automatically to the phone’s gallery. Nobody in the chat can export the conversation. Meta AI features cannot be used inside the chat. The chat is not available on linked devices. These limits apply to both people in the conversation, not just the person who switches it on. When the feature is enabled, WhatsApp shows a message in the chat so everyone knows the restrictions are active.
advetisement WhatsApp says messages and calls remain end-to-end encrypted whether Restricted Chat is on or off.
How to turn on Restricted Chat
Open the individual chat you want to restrict. Tap the contact’s name at the top to open the chat info screen. Scroll down and tap Restricted Chat. Turn it on. At present, the feature works only in one-to-one chats, not groups.
Why linked devices matter
Many people stay logged in to WhatsApp on a work laptop, a shared computer or an old device they have forgotten about. Each linked device is another place where messages can be seen. Keeping sensitive chats on the primary phone reduces that risk.
When will everyone get it?
WhatsApp has not announced when Restricted Chat will reach all users. Even among beta testers, it is rolling out gradually, so installing the latest beta does not guarantee access. The feature may also change before its wider release.
What you can do now
Until the feature reaches you, check which devices are linked to your account. Open WhatsApp, go to Linked Devices and log out of any device you do not recognise or no longer use.
News 18
comments
WhatsApp's new restricted chat feature is rolling out
comments