WhatsApp Testing Feature to Stop Auto-Saving of Media in Chats

WhatsApp is working on a new privacy feature that aims to give users more control over how media is handled in their conversations. As reported by WABetaInfo, the feature is being developed for the Android 2.25.10.14 beta and was released through the Google Play Beta Program.

More Privacy, Less Auto-Saving

The update introduces an option to prevent automatic saving of images and videos received in chats. Once enabled, any media shared in the conversation will not be saved to the recipient's photo gallery, enhancing privacy—especially in sensitive or private discussions.

User-Controlled and Chat-Specific

This media-saving restriction is optional and can be enabled on a per-chat basis via the chat info screen, similar to how disappearing messages work. Interestingly, if one person enables the setting, it will apply to both parties in the conversation. However, disabling it will send a notification to the other user.

Part of WhatsApp's Advanced Chat Privacy Toolkit

This feature is part of a broader "advanced chat privacy" initiative that WhatsApp is gradually rolling out. Other tools in development include the ability to:

However, some privacy features are still missing—such as the ability to block message forwarding or prevent screenshots—which are often found in more secure messaging platforms.

Currently Not Available for Testing

While the feature has been discovered in the latest Android beta build, it's not yet accessible to beta testers. There's also no timeline for when—or if—it will be officially rolled out in a stable version of WhatsApp.