How to Enable WhatsApp’s New Cross-App Chats in Europe

A New "Third-Party Chats" Option Arrives in Europe

Illustration: Tech Bird

For the first time, WhatsApp is being required to open its doors. A new, opt-in feature called "Third-Party Chats" is rolling out to users in the European Union. This function will allow you to send and receive messages from people on other messaging platforms (like BirdyChat or Haiket) directly from within your WhatsApp application.

This isn't just a new feature; it's a fundamental change to how messaging apps operate, moving away from the "walled garden" model where apps only talk to themselves.

The "Why": Complying with the Digital Markets Act (DMA)

This change is not a voluntary move by Meta, WhatsApp's parent company. It is a direct requirement of the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA). This legislation identifies large tech platforms (dubbed "gatekeepers") and imposes rules to ensure a more competitive and fair digital market.

One of these rules mandates that dominant messaging services, like WhatsApp, must allow smaller platforms to interconnect, or "interoperate," with them. While this WhatsApp interoperability feature seems new, Meta first announced it last September. It is now finally rolling out gradually, but specifically for EU users.

How to Activate Third-Party Chats (When It's Available)

This feature is strictly opt-in. It will not be turned on by default, and you must actively choose to enable it. It is also important to note this is only available to users with a WhatsApp account registered to a phone number in the European Region (EU). This means that if you do not have an EU-registered phone number, you will not be able to see this cross-app messaging feature, even if you are physically in an eligible country.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Once the feature rolls out to your account, you can enable it here:

1. Ensure your WhatsApp (on iOS or Android) is updated to the latest version.
   
   
2. Open WhatsApp and navigate to Settings.
   
   
3. Tap on Account.
   
   
4. Look for the new option labeled "Third-party chats".
   
   
5. Follow the on-screen prompts. You will likely be shown a screen explaining what the feature is and its WhatsApp privacy implications before you can confirm your choice to opt-in.

What to Expect: The User Experience

Image: Meta | Licensed by: Kinghacks365

After opting in, WhatsApp will give you a crucial choice for how to view these new conversations. You will be able to choose:

• A Separate Inbox: All messages from third-party apps will be filtered into a distinct "Third-party chats" folder, keeping them separate from your main WhatsApp conversations.
  
  
• A Combined Inbox: Messages from other apps will appear directly in your main chat list, alongside your existing WhatsApp chats.

As someone who values a clean inbox, I'll be starting with the 'Separate Inbox' option to see how it works before I consider merging everything. It feels important to keep native WhatsApp messages separate from these new third-party chats, at least initially.

Which Apps Are Supported?

At launch, this feature is starting very small. Meta has announced on its support page that the first third-party services to integrate will be BirdyChat and Haiket.

This list is expected to grow. Other messaging services can apply for interoperability, but they must meet Meta's specific technical and security requirements to be approved. We are not yet seeing integration with other major platforms like Signal or Telegram.

Why is Meta starting with smaller, unknown apps?

What are the technical or business hurdles for larger apps like Signal or Telegram to join?

Of course, there is always a possibility for these platforms in the future, but not yet, perhaps due to challenges with end-to-end encryption alignment or other policies. The currently supported platforms are small and unknown, which may have made it easier for Meta to bring them in line with its requirements.

The Big Questions: Security and Limitations

Is This Secure? Understanding the Encryption

This is the most critical consideration. Meta has stated that it requires third-party services to use end-to-end encryption (E2EE) to connect. The preferred standard is the Signal Protocol, which WhatsApp itself uses. This requirement ensures that WhatsApp (and Meta) cannot read the content of messages as they travel between platforms.

The "Third-Party" Privacy Caveat

While the message transport is encrypted, Meta has issued a clear warning: third-party apps "might handle your data differently."

This means that once your message arrives on the other service (e.g., BirdyChat), that app's own privacy policy takes over. That company may have different rules for how it collects, uses, or shares your data and metadata. This is a significant departure from WhatsApp's self-contained ecosystem.

This is the most important part. You must be cautious and understand that you are now interacting with another company's policies, not just WhatsApp's. So, what data could be at risk (e.g., metadata, contact lists, etc.)? Meta ensures the data is safe during transfer in the encrypted tunnel. The risk isn't inside the tunnel; the risk is what happens at the other end. Your data might be visible to or handled differently by that third-party app.

What's Missing? (For Now)

The initial version of this WhatsApp new update is focused on basic messaging. You must be aware of what is not included at launch:

• No Group Chats: The feature is 1-on-1 only. You cannot create or participate in group chats that include users from third-party apps. This is planned for a future update.
  
  
• No WhatsApp "Extras": Advanced WhatsApp-native features like Status updates, stickers, disappearing messages, and polls will not work in third-party chats. You will be limited to text, photos, videos, voice messages, and documents.
  
  
• Mobile Only: Interoperability will only work on WhatsApp for iOS and Android. It will not be available on WhatsApp Desktop, Web, or tablets.

Is This a Win for Users?

This move, forced by the Digital Markets Act, marks the beginning of the end for the closed messaging ecosystem in Europe. In theory, it gives users the freedom to choose their preferred app without being cut off from friends and family on WhatsApp.

However, the practical reality, with a limited app selection and significant WhatsApp privacy considerations, means users should proceed with caution.