WhatsApp's Advanced chat privacy stops people in a chat from exporting it, auto-saving its photos and videos, and using Meta AI in it. On the latest WhatsApp it's being replaced by Restricted chat, which also blocks linked devices. You turn it on chat by chat by tapping the chat name.
Advanced chat privacy was WhatsApp's answer to a simple worry: what happens to a private conversation after you've sent it? End-to-end encryption protects messages on the way, but it doesn't stop someone in the chat exporting the whole thread or having your photos drop into their camera roll. This setting closes those gaps. And if you've just updated WhatsApp, you may find it now has a new name, which is why so many people can't find it. Here's what it does, what it doesn't do, and how to switch it on.
Advanced chat privacy is becoming Restricted chat
WhatsApp says that on the latest version, Advanced chat privacy is being replaced by a new and expanded setting called Restricted chat. It does everything the old setting did, plus one more thing: it stops people using linked devices for that chat. WhatsApp's reason is to help prevent unofficial apps and AI agents from accessing the conversation.
One detail to act on: chats where you turned on Advanced chat privacy won't switch to Restricted chat automatically. If you want the extra protection, you have to update each chat yourself.
What it stops people doing
| Action in the chat | Advanced chat privacy | Restricted chat |
|---|---|---|
| Export the chat | Stopped | Also stopped |
| Auto-save photos and videos to their gallery | Stopped | Also stopped |
| Use Meta AI features in the chat | Stopped | Also stopped |
| Open the chat on linked devices, such as WhatsApp Web | Still allowed | Stopped |
It doesn't stop screenshots, and anyone can still read and reply normally. It's about stopping easy bulk copying, not about making a chat secret.
How to turn it on
- Update WhatsApp to the latest version on your main phone.
- Open the individual or group chat.
- Tap the chat name at the top.
- Tap Restricted chat (or Advanced chat privacy on older versions) and switch it on.
WhatsApp says Restricted chat can only be switched on or off from your primary device, not from WhatsApp Web or a tablet.
Who can turn it on
- In a one-to-one chat: either person can turn it on.
- In a group: only group admins can turn it on.
It's set chat by chat. Turning it on in one chat doesn't change any other, and once it's on it applies to every message in that chat.
Does it stop Meta AI reading my chats?
This is the question behind most searches for the setting, so it's worth being precise. WhatsApp says your personal messages are always protected with end-to-end encryption, and that Meta AI can only access the messages people choose to send it, whether Restricted chat is on or off. What the setting does is stop anyone in that chat from using Meta AI features there, so nobody can, for example, ask the AI to summarise your group's conversation. If you've seen viral posts claiming you must switch this on or Meta will read everything, that's not how WhatsApp describes it.
The limits to know about
- People on older versions of WhatsApp may still be able to use unofficial apps or AI agents in the chat, and WhatsApp says you won't be told if someone hasn't updated.
- It isn't available in chats with businesses that use Meta to store their messages and reply on their behalf.
- It doesn't stop screenshots or someone photographing their screen.
- Media won't auto-save, but people can still choose to save individual items manually.
What the other people in the chat see
Because the setting changes what everyone in the chat can do, the others will notice when they try to export the chat or find that photos aren't landing in their gallery. That's by design, and it's worth a quick word in the group before you switch it on. In a client group, I'd post something like: "I've switched on WhatsApp's restricted chat setting so the documents we share here stay in this chat." People rarely object when they know why, and it saves a flurry of "why can't I save this?" messages.
If someone needs to keep a particular file, they can still save it by hand. The setting removes the automatic, all-at-once copying, which is where most accidental leaks happen: a phone that backs up every photo to a shared family album, or a chat export emailed to the wrong person.
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When I'd use it
I'd switch it on for any chat where people share documents or photos that shouldn't end up in someone's camera roll: a group with clients, a family chat with medical updates, a board or committee group. For everyday chats with friends it's unnecessary, and auto-saving photos is often what people want. If you'd like to tidy up other privacy settings at the same time, read whether WhatsApp tells people when you screenshot, and my explainer on whether WhatsApp is owned by Meta covers how the apps connect.
My verdict
Turn on Restricted chat, or Advanced chat privacy if that's what your version shows, in any chat where sensitive files are shared. Update chats you protected before, because they won't upgrade on their own, and remember it limits copying rather than making a chat invisible.
Frequently asked questions
What is WhatsApp advanced chat privacy?
A per-chat setting that stops people exporting the chat, auto-saving its media and using Meta AI features in it.
What replaced advanced chat privacy on WhatsApp?
Restricted chat. It does the same things and also stops people using linked devices for that chat.
Who can turn on advanced chat privacy in a group?
Only group admins. In a one-to-one chat, either person can turn it on.
Does advanced chat privacy stop screenshots?
No. It blocks exporting, auto-saving media and Meta AI features, but not screenshots.
Will my old protected chats switch to Restricted chat?
No. WhatsApp says chats with advanced chat privacy turned on won't update automatically, so turn on Restricted chat in each one yourself.
