WhatsApp launches third-party chat integration in the European region to make messaging smoother and more flexible. This new update lets users chat with people from other apps directly inside WhatsApp.
The rollout supports the European Union’s interoperability laws and marks a big step toward open, secure, and cross-platform communication for millions of users.
WhatsApp Brings Cross-App Messaging for European Users
WhatsApp has started testing its latest innovation, which allows users to send and receive messages from other supported chat platforms.
This new feature is currently available for selected beta users in Europe, as WhatsApp works to follow the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) that promotes fair competition and interoperability among digital services.
According to WABetaInfo, this new option called “Third-Party Chats” has been introduced in the iOS beta version 25.32.10.72, after first appearing in the Android beta 2.25.33.8. It appears under Settings > Account > Third-Party Chats, giving users full control to activate or deactivate it anytime.
Once enabled, users can start conversations with people using other messaging apps without leaving WhatsApp. The integration currently supports one-on-one chats, and group chats are expected to be added in upcoming updates.
This development is seen as one of WhatsApp’s most important steps toward creating a unified communication platform where users can talk across apps securely and easily.
Third-Party Chat Integration Works
WhatsApp’s third-party chat feature allows users to message people on other apps while staying inside WhatsApp. This feature supports basic communication formats, including:
- Text messages.
- Photos and videos.
- Voice notes and documents.
This means users no longer need to switch between apps to stay connected. However, some advanced WhatsApp tools such as stickers, status updates, and disappearing messages are not yet supported in this early version.
Users also have flexible options for message management. They can choose to:
- Combine third-party messages with normal WhatsApp chats in one inbox.
- Keep third-party chats in a separate section for better organization.
Notification and privacy settings can also be customized according to user preference. WhatsApp ensures that all cross-platform messages are protected using end-to-end encryption, so even Meta cannot access or read them.
Still, the company advises users to check the privacy and data policies of other apps, as WhatsApp cannot control their standards.
One key limitation mentioned is that users blocked on WhatsApp may still send messages through other apps since blocking applies only within WhatsApp’s own system.
Why WhatsApp Launched This Feature in Europe First
This rollout is currently limited to the European region because WhatsApp must comply with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The law requires large tech companies to open their systems and allow cross-platform communication.
The DMA aims to make digital markets fairer and more open by reducing user dependency on single platforms. For WhatsApp, this meant developing a way for its service to work smoothly with third-party apps while maintaining strong security.
The first external messaging app to work with WhatsApp under this new system is BirdyChat, which met WhatsApp’s strict privacy and encryption standards. The feature is now being tested with a small group of users before wider release across the region.
WhatsApp has not confirmed any global expansion plans yet, but it is expected that similar interoperability features may reach other regions in the future if regulatory demands or user interest increase.
This new direction shows WhatsApp’s strong commitment to building an open, user-friendly, and secure communication environment. It could change how people interact online by allowing conversations across different apps in one place.
The Final Words
WhatsApp launches third-party chat integration in the European region to make communication across apps easier, safer, and more open. The feature supports text, photo, video, and document sharing between different platforms.
While currently limited to Europe, it marks a major change in messaging technology. WhatsApp’s new update brings users one step closer to a connected and seamless global communication experience.
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