WhatsApp Updates Group Chat Privacy Settings
WhatsApp has added new controls for who can add users to group chats.
Published: 2026-03-01
What Changed
WhatsApp has introduced a new setting that allows users to restrict who can add them to group chats. The options are now: Everyone, My Contacts, My Contacts Except, and Nobody (invitation only). Previously, any contact could add a user to a group without permission. For accounts identified as belonging to minors, the default has been changed from 'Everyone' to 'My Contacts', though this depends on age information provided at sign-up.
What to Review
- •Check your child's WhatsApp group chat settings (Settings > Privacy > Groups).
- •Ensure the setting is changed to 'My Contacts' at minimum.
- •Review whether your child has been added to any group chats with unknown contacts.
Parent Actions
- 1Open WhatsApp > Settings > Privacy > Groups and change the setting to 'My Contacts' or 'My Contacts Except'.
- 2Ask your child about their group chats — who is in them and whether any include people they do not know.
- 3Discuss the risks of being in group chats with unknown people and agree that your child will leave and tell you if they are added to one.
Full app guide
View the complete WhatsApp safety guide
This is practical educational content to support families. For case-specific concerns about a child's safety, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or your local safeguarding team.
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Last reviewed: 2026-03-15