WhatsApp launches Restricted Chats feature for Android beta users
Meta's messaging app WhatsApp introduced a new optional privacy tool called Restricted Chats in a recent beta version for Android devices.
How to enable the setting
Users must manually turn on this feature because it is disabled by default. To activate it, a person opens a specific chat and taps the contact name to reach the Chat Info screen. Scrolling down reveals the Restricted Chat option that can be selected for individual conversations only.
Privacy controls for media files
Once enabled, media files from the restricted conversation will not save automatically to the device gallery. Neither participant in the chat can export the history of these messages. Meta AI features are also disabled within these specific conversations.
Access limits on linked devices
The setting prevents access from any linked device other than the user primary phone. This restriction applies to both people involved in the conversation equally. Group conversations do not currently support this new security option.
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