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WhatsApp will let you text people on other messaging apps
29 Oct 2025

WhatsApp is working on a new feature that will allow users to create third-party groups. The move is aimed at complying with European regulations.

The interoperability facility will let users send and receive messages with people on different messaging platforms.

The feature is currently under development and not yet available for beta testing.

Interoperability to connect different messaging platforms
Feature details

The interoperability is part of WhatsApp's effort to comply with the EU's Digital Markets Act.

This regulation mandates the major tech firms to make their services compatible with third-party platforms.

Users will have full control over this optional service and can enable or disable it at any time they want.

Ensuring user security with encryption
Security measures

To ensure maximum user security, WhatsApp is pushing third-party providers to implement the Signal Protocol.

However, it shall also accept other compatible encryption systems that can prove they offer the same level of protection.

This way, interoperability won't compromise the platform's privacy and security standards.

Each connected service will have to pass technical verification for end-to-end encryption, thus creating a unified secure communication experience across different apps.

Basic communication features in 3rd-party chats
Chat capabilities

Third-party chats will support basic communication features like sending messages, pics, videos, voice messages, and documents.

Users can manage their incoming third-party messages through two modes: a Combined inbox or a Separated inbox.

However, certain native WhatsApp features like status updates, stickers, and disappearing messages won't be supported in these chats.

This integration focuses on essential communication while keeping the core messaging experience simple and effective.

Group chats will also be supported
Group functionality

WhatsApp is now expanding the concept of third-party chats by developing third-party group chats.

To create such a group, all members must have the interoperability service activated on their accounts.

This ensures secure sharing of messages across platforms.

Once created, all the features available in individual third-party chats will also be accessible in group conversations, including sending media and documents seamlessly across connected platforms.

Privacy settings for added control
User control

WhatsApp will offer privacy settings for users to control who can add them to third-party groups.

The options include "Everyone," "My contacts and people from third-party apps users select," "My contacts only," "My contacts except," and "No one."

This way, users can customize their preferences for adding them to these chats.

However, it is worth noting that this feature will be exclusive to European users due to the requirements of the EU's DMA.

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