Archive · 3 Oct 2026
WhatsApp Tests Focus Schedules and Restricted Chats
WhatsApp is trying out two possible new features.
One is called focus schedules.
The other is Restricted Chats, which limit what people in a conversation can do with messages.
WhatsApp is also testing a change that keeps Restricted Chats on the user's main device.
Some people using a beta version of the app can try the restricted-chat feature.
The article says it is expected to reach more beta testers over the coming weeks.
WhatsApp has not said that either feature will definitely be released to everyone.
WhatsApp is testing new focus schedules and restricted chats.
Restricted Chats limit what participants can do with messages in conversations.
The feature is being upgraded so these chats are limited to a user's primary device.
Restricted Chats are rolling out to some beta testers, including users of Android version 2.26.39.11.
WhatsApp has not officially confirmed either feature for release in the stable app.
- Who
- WhatsApp and a limited number of beta testers.
- What
- WhatsApp is testing focus schedules and Restricted Chats, including limiting restricted chats to the primary device.
- When
- The features are in testing; the article says Restricted Chats will roll out to more beta testers over the coming weeks.
- Where
- In WhatsApp beta versions, including Android version 2.26.39.11.
- Why
- The article describes the tests as aimed at better privacy.
Potential privacy benefits
Uncertain availability
Restricted Chats
Potential privacy benefits
The feature limits what participants can do with messages and is being tested with a primary-device restriction.
Uncertain availability
The feature remains in beta testing, and WhatsApp has not confirmed it will reach the stable app.
Focus schedules
Potential privacy benefits
The feature is among the new options being tested for WhatsApp.
Uncertain availability
The article provides no confirmed release details, and WhatsApp has not officially confirmed the feature.
- Features under test
- Focus schedules and Restricted Chats
- Restricted Chats
- Limit what participants can do with messages in their conversations
- Device restriction
- The feature is being upgraded to limit restricted chats to the primary device
- Beta version mentioned
- Android 2.26.39.11
- Availability
- Available to a few beta testers, with a wider beta rollout expected over the coming weeks
- Official confirmation
- WhatsApp has not confirmed that either feature will be released in the stable app