WhatsApp has begun rolling out a new Restricted Chat option to some beta users on Android and iOS, adding an optional conversation-level setting that limits what participants can do with messages and media.
Beta availability and reported versions
WABetaInfo reports that Restricted Chat is appearing for a subset of users enrolled in WhatsApp's beta program. The feature is available on WhatsApp for Android beta version 2.26.36.4 and WhatsApp for iOS beta version 26.39.10.20, according to the report on 4 October 2026.
What Restricted Chat restricts
Restricted Chat is optional and not enabled for all conversations by default. It only applies in chats where a participant manually turns it on from the chat info screen. Once enabled, WhatsApp displays a message in the conversation and enforces four limits:
- People in Restricted Chat cannot automatically save media to their device.
- People in Restricted Chat cannot export the chat.
- People in Restricted Chat cannot use Meta AI features in the chat.
- People in Restricted Chat cannot use linked devices for the chat; WhatsApp says "this helps to prevent people in the chat from using unofficial clients or AI agents to access it."
WhatsApp also assures that, whether Restricted Chat is enabled or not, all messages and calls in the chat are protected with end-to-end encryption.
How to enable Restricted Chat and rollout status
Users can enable Restricted Chat from the chat info screen for any conversation where they want the additional limits. WhatsApp has not provided a timetable for a public rollout, so access is currently limited to beta testers; those who want to try the feature must enroll in WhatsApp's beta program.
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