WhatsApp rolls out Restricted Chat feature for Android and iPhone users

WhatsApp is rolling out a new privacy feature called Restricted Chat, giving users greater control over how certain conversations are accessed and what can be done with them.

The feature is currently available to some users enrolled in WhatsApp’s beta programmes on Android and iPhone, with a wider rollout yet to be announced.

Restricted Chat is an updated version of WhatsApp’s existing Advanced Chat Privacy setting and is optional and turned off by default.

The main change is that restricted conversations remain accessible only on participants’ primary phones. They will not appear on WhatsApp Web, the desktop application or other linked devices.

When Restricted Chat is enabled for a conversation, media shared in the chat is not automatically saved to the phone’s gallery. Users also cannot export the conversation, while Meta AI features are unavailable within the restricted chat.

The restrictions apply to both participants, regardless of who activates the feature. WhatsApp also displays a message in the conversation informing participants that the restrictions are enabled.

The company said messages and calls remain protected by end-to-end encryption whether Restricted Chat is enabled or disabled.