Big change coming to WhatsApp

A new feature in the works could stop people from secretly saving your WhatsApp Stories — here’s what we know so far.

If you’ve ever posted something to your WhatsApp Status and later wondered who might have saved it without your knowledge, you’re not alone. And now, WhatsApp is finally doing something about it.

The messaging app — used by over two billion people worldwide — is quietly testing a new feature that blocks users from taking screenshots of someone else’s Status updates. The update hasn’t rolled out globally yet, but it’s already appeared in the beta version for Android, and it could mean a big shift in how we share personal content on the platform.

WhatsApp to block screenshots of Status updates for more privacy

So what’s actually happening? According to the team at Android Authority, the latest WhatsApp beta (version 2.25.12.19) includes a new privacy tool that uses a screenshot detection API built into Android 14. If someone tries to take a screenshot of a Status, they’ll be met with a pop-up that reads: “This action isn’t allowed for privacy reasons.”

Yes, even if your post disappears after 24 hours, WhatsApp doesn’t want it to live on in someone’s camera roll forever. And honestly, that makes sense. What’s shared in a Status should stay in the Status, not get passed around on social media or stored in someone’s gallery without permission.

It’s worth noting that WhatsApp already blocks screenshots of profile pictures, and this latest move seems like a logical next step. The aim is clearly to make users feel safer when sharing moments — especially personal ones — on the app.

Does WhatsApp notify users of attempted Status screenshots?

At this point, no. While WhatsApp will block the screenshot, it doesn’t look like the feature will notify users if someone attempts it — at least not yet.

Still, even the warning message alone could act as a strong deterrent. Just knowing that a screenshot won’t go through might be enough to stop someone from trying. And if WhatsApp decides to add notifications in future, it could make users think twice before crossing the line.

As of now, there’s no word on when the feature will officially launch, or whether it will be available on iPhones. iOS comes with tighter privacy controls, so it might take longer to implement — or look a little different altogether.

How to protect your WhatsApp chats while waiting for the update

While we wait for this feature to roll out, it’s a good time to check your WhatsApp privacy settings — because the app already offers a few handy tools to keep your conversations safe.

For example, you can:

• Lock your WhatsApp Web screen with a custom password (between 6 and 128 characters).
• Use fingerprint lock on your mobile device to keep people out of the app altogether.
• Lock individual chats with the ‘Chat Lock’ option — just tap on the contact or group name and activate it.

All of these settings can be found under Settings > Privacy, and they only take a minute to set up.

WhatsApp has also added new ways to stop people from automatically saving media you send — especially helpful if you’re sending something private and don’t want it saved to someone else’s gallery.

WhatsApp prioritises user privacy with new security features

Let’s be honest: for years, social apps have made it far too easy to save, share, and screenshot other people’s content — usually without them knowing. But that’s slowly changing.

WhatsApp’s decision to block screenshots of Status updates is just the latest in a series of steps aimed at giving users more control over their own content. From locking chats to limiting auto-downloads, the app is clearly pushing for a more secure experience — and that’s a welcome move.

Sure, the feature is still in testing. But the message is clear: if it’s meant to be temporary, it should stay temporary.

And for those who still think a sneaky screenshot is harmless? WhatsApp might just be about to prove otherwise.

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