The WhatsApp third-party chats feature is rolling out in beta, allowing users to message people on other apps directly from WhatsApp. First spotted in Europe among beta testers, this capability opens cross-app communication in a major shift for the platform.
In this article we look at what the feature is, why WhatsApp is doing it, how it works, and what users (especially in India) should know.
What are WhatsApp third-party chats?
- The feature lets you send and receive messages in WhatsApp with people who use other supported messaging apps—not just other WhatsApp users.
- It was first seen in Android beta version 2.25.33.8 and iOS beta version 25.32.10.72 in the European region.
- The feature can be found under Settings → Account → Third-party chats.
- Users can choose how to view these chats: either merge them with regular chats or keep them in a separate inbox
How it works: key details
- You can send text, photos, videos, voice notes and documents across chat apps.
- However, some WhatsApp-native features are not supported in these cross-app chats—such as disappearing messages, statuses, stickers.
- End-to-end encryption remains, according to WhatsApp. But because the other app may use different security standards, users should check.
- This feature is optional—users can toggle it on or off. The Indian Express
Why WhatsApp is launching it now
- The rollout in the European region suggests compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), an EU regulation requiring large platforms to enable interoperability with rivals.
- It positions WhatsApp and its parent Meta Platforms to stay competitive in a future where messaging apps are more open and connected.
Implications for users in India and globally
- While currently limited to the EU and beta testers, this sets the stage for global rollout—Indian users should keep an eye on when it reaches them.
- Cross-app communication means you could reach someone who isn’t on WhatsApp, increasing convenience.
- But with increased interoperability comes added privacy considerations: the other messaging app must be trusted, and blocking someone on WhatsApp doesn’t necessarily block them across an external app.
- For businesses and brands that use WhatsApp, this could widen reach—but also widen risk vectors.
Things to watch & key caveats
- Feature support: At launch, only one-on-one chats are supported; group chats across apps may come later.
- Security & privacy: Even though WhatsApp encrypts traffic, interoperability means the external app’s security matters too.
- Blocking behavior: If someone is blocked in WhatsApp, they might still reach you via a supported third-party app if you’ve enabled this feature
- Availability: Beta testers only so far; rollout dates for India or Android/iOS general release are not official yet.
Conclusion
The WhatsApp third-party chats feature marks a significant evolution in messaging: breaking the app-island model and embracing cross-platform communication. For users, it means more convenience and connectivity. For privacy and security, it means new responsibilities.
