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WhatsApp is rolling out its new Restricted Chat feature to selected beta users on Android and iPhone, adding an extra privacy-control layer for individual conversations. The feature does not change WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption; instead, it limits what people and linked devices can do with a specific chat.
WhatsApp Restricted Chat: who can use it now?
The rollout is currently limited to beta testers. Times of India reports availability for some users on WhatsApp beta 2.26.39.11 for Android and 26.39.10.20 for iOS. The rollout is gradual, so installing the listed beta version does not guarantee that the toggle will appear immediately.
WABetaInfo says Android and iOS testers can find the option from a conversation's chat-info screen as WhatsApp replaces the older Advanced Chat Privacy label with the clearer Restricted Chat name.
What does Restricted Chat block?
When the option is enabled for a conversation, WhatsApp applies four restrictions to that chat:
- No automatic media saving: photos and videos from the chat are not automatically saved to the device gallery.
- No chat export: participants cannot export the conversation.
- No Meta AI inside that chat: Meta AI features cannot be used within the restricted conversation.
- No linked-device access: the chat is unavailable on linked devices and is limited to the primary phone.
Why the linked-device restriction matters
The linked-device change is the biggest difference from the earlier Advanced Chat Privacy implementation. WABetaInfo says restricted chats can only be sent and received on the primary device, cutting off companion-device access for that conversation.
That can reduce exposure through tools that rely on WhatsApp's linked-device channel, but it should not be treated as a guarantee against every form of account compromise. Users should still protect their phone, WhatsApp account and linked-device list.
Does Restricted Chat make normal WhatsApp chats insecure?
No. WhatsApp messages and calls remain end-to-end encrypted whether Restricted Chat is enabled or not. The new option is an additional control layer for specific conversations; it is not a replacement for WhatsApp's baseline encryption.
How to check whether you have Restricted Chat
- Open a conversation in WhatsApp beta.
- Tap the contact or group name to open chat information.
- Look for Restricted Chat.
- If it is available, review the warning before enabling it because the restrictions apply to that conversation.
If the option is missing, there is no reliable way to force-enable it. The beta rollout is server-side and limited to selected users.
When will Restricted Chat reach stable WhatsApp?
WhatsApp has not announced a stable public release date for Android or iPhone. The feature is still in beta rollout, so the final behaviour, naming or availability can change before a wider release.
Quick answers
Is WhatsApp Restricted Chat available to everyone?
No. It is currently rolling out to selected Android and iOS beta testers.
Does Restricted Chat hide messages from linked devices?
Yes. Current beta reports say restricted conversations are unavailable on linked devices.
Can Meta AI be used in a restricted conversation?
No. Meta AI features are disabled inside that chat.
Does it replace end-to-end encryption?
No. End-to-end encryption remains the baseline protection for WhatsApp messages and calls.
Sources: WABetaInfo and Times of India. Beta features can change before stable release.