WhatsApp is testing a new privacy feature that could change how users save and share content inside chats. Called “Advanced Chat Privacy”, this update is designed for users who want better control over their media and message sharing  and it’s already being tested on Android with an iPhone version expected soon.

What is Advanced Chat Privacy?

Spotted by WABetaInfo, this upcoming feature allows users to stop media from being saved automatically to their phone’s gallery and blocks the ability to export entire chat histories outside WhatsApp. In short, it’s a move to make private conversations stay private.

According to WABetaInfo

“This new feature is designed to give users greater control over their conversations by disabling automatic media downloads to the device gallery and restricting the ability to export entire chat histories outside the app in the future. This would add a new layer of privacy and security to chats, ensuring that sensitive content stays within the app and giving users greater confidence that their conversations won’t be easily shared or stored without their consent.”

How It Works

If this privacy setting is enabled in a chat, users with auto-save turned on will receive a notification that says:

“Can’t auto-save the media. Advanced chat privacy has been turned on and prevents media auto-saving to your device’s gallery.”

This feature will be optional and can be turned on individually for each chat, giving users full flexibility over how they protect their conversations.

What It Doesn’t Cover

While the update brings more control and privacy, it doesn’t stop people from taking screenshots. There’s no detection system in place for that at least for now. Still, it’s a significant step forward in protecting chats from unwanted exposure.

When Will It Launch?

There’s no official release date yet, but with testing underway, it’s expected to roll out to both Android (including upcoming models like the Samsung Galaxy S25) and iPhone devices soon. This update highlights WhatsApp’s continued focus on user safety, privacy, and giving people more control over their digital conversations.