WhatsApp Tests New Feature to Restrict Linked Devices from Accessing Specific Chats

WhatsApp is testing a new feature that allows users to prevent devices linked to their account from accessing a specific chat, aiming to enhance control over conversation privacy. The feature, named “Restricted Chat,” has begun appearing gradually for some beta users on Android devices, following its initial debut in beta version 2.26.36.4. When the feature is enabled, linked devices will be unable to read the content of the restricted chat, and a message will appear within the chat indicating that sending and receiving messages is available only through the primary device. The feature was previously known as “Advanced Chat Privacy” before WhatsApp renamed it to “Restricted Chat.” The platform clarified that chats are already protected by end-to-end encryption, and the new feature aims to give users greater control over how their conversations are accessed. The feature can be manually enabled from the chat info screen and is disabled by default. It is currently available in beta version 2.26.39.11 via the Google Play Store and works exclusively in individual chats. When enabled, the feature imposes several restrictions, including preventing automatic saving of sent media to the gallery, blocking chat export, disabling Meta AI features within the chat, and preventing access from linked devices.