This special feature is about to be available on WhatsApp. Learn about the Cross-Platform Chats feature, which will transform the way you chat.

Cross-Platform Chats: WhatsApp is rolling out a feature for its users that could bring a major change to the world of chatting.

Cross-Platform Chats: WhatsApp is rolling out a feature for its users that could bring a major change to the world of chatting. Now, you won't need to download separate messaging apps like Telegram or Signal, as you'll be able to chat with people on other platforms right on WhatsApp.

What is WhatsApp's Cross-Platform Chat feature?

This instant messaging app, owned by Meta, has been working on cross-platform messaging for a long time. Now, according to a report by WABetaInfo, some users in the European Union have received a beta version of this feature for testing.

With this feature, WhatsApp users will now be able to send messages to people who use third-party apps (like Signal or Telegram). To activate it, you'll need to go to Settings > Account > Third-party Chats.

What's new in the feature?

This new WhatsApp option will allow users to send messages, photos, videos, voice notes, and documents. You can also organize your incoming chats in two ways.

Combined Inbox: All WhatsApp and third-party chats will appear together.

Separate Inbox: A separate folder will be created for third-party chats.

However, this feature won't provide features like status updates, stickers, or disappearing messages. Furthermore, people you've blocked on WhatsApp can contact you through third-party apps.

What will be the impact on privacy and security?

Users will have the option to choose whether they want to receive immediate notifications for chat requests from third-party apps or review them later.

Although WhatsApp claims it won't be able to read the content of third-party chats, these apps will have different data protection policies. These chats will still be protected by end-to-end encryption.

Optional Feature, Launch Starting in Europe

The most important thing is that this feature will be completely optional. This means you can turn it off if you wish, and WhatsApp will continue to function as before.

According to reports, this feature will launch in the European Union in early 2026. However, voice and video calling are expected to arrive on other platforms by 2027.