- WhatsApp is testing a feature to link up to five external AI agents per account using an API key.
- Agents will only be able to access their individual chat, without being able to read other conversations, contacts, or files.
- Conversations with these agents will not have end-to-end encryption, as they go through a Meta service.
- The feature is available in beta version 2.26.35.3 for Android, in a limited way and without a global release date.
WhatsApp, the world's most popular messaging app, is taking significant steps to expand its artificial intelligence ecosystem. After integrating its own assistant, Meta AI, the Meta-owned platform is now preparing to allow users to connect to third-party AI agents and converse with them directly within the app, without needing to open any other external tools or applications. This new feature was discovered in Android beta version 2.26.35.3 by the specialized website WaBetaInfo, which confirmed that the function is being tested with a limited number of users in select countries.
The idea isn't new to many tech enthusiasts, who until now have resorted to unofficial solutions to connect external bots to WhatsApp, risking account blocking. With this native implementation, the Menlo Park company aims to offer a secure and controlled way for AI assistants, such as those based on OpenAI, Google, or Anthropic, to become regular contacts within the app. However, this comes with clear rules regarding the privacy and scope of these agents.
Configuration using API key: this is how an external agent connects
The process for adding a third-party agent begins in WhatsApp settings. The user must create a new chat, name the agent, and choose a profile picture. Once this step is complete, the application automatically generates an API key, an authorization code that connects the WhatsApp account to the service hosting the agent. The user will need to copy this key and paste it into the external platform to finalize the connection. Depending on the service, the exact location where the key is entered may vary, but most allow it to be done through the API settings.
WhatsApp allows you to link up to five different agents per account , each with its own individual chat. This means you can have multiple AI assistants working on different tasks without mixing conversations or depending on a single platform. The company also offers the option to generate a new API key if you want to renew the connection or revoke an agent's access without completely deleting it.
Privacy and limitations: restricted access to each chat
Once an agent is connected, it appears as just another conversation in the chat list. The user can send messages and receive replies as if chatting with any other contact. However, privacy is a key concern. External agents can only read the content shared within their own chat . They have no access to other conversations, contacts, media files, or general account information. This restriction prevents an agent from snooping into the user's digital life beyond what is directly communicated to them.
Furthermore, it's not possible to include these agents in group chats or communities. At least in this initial phase, all communication remains one-on-one between the user and the external service. This limits its use for collaborative tasks or interactions with multiple contacts simultaneously.
The lack of end-to-end encryption: a cost to consider
The most notable difference compared to traditional WhatsApp chats is that conversations with third-party agents lack end-to-end encryption . While messages between people are protected so that only the sender and recipient can read them, in these chats, the information passes through a Meta service that acts as an intermediary on behalf of the agent developer. This means that both Meta and the third-party provider can access the conversation content so that the agent can process requests and generate responses.
The company has been transparent about this: the interface displays a warning reminding users that agent responses may contain errors and that it's advisable to verify important information. For users more concerned about privacy, this lack of encryption represents a significant change, as they must now trust both the external service and Meta itself with the shared data.
Agent management and removal: full user control
WhatsApp also offers management tools for these agents. From the settings, users can modify each agent's name and profile picture, or disconnect them completely. If an agent is removed, the connection is broken immediately, and it will no longer be possible to send or receive new messages. However, the conversation history is not automatically deleted; previous messages remain available for the user to review at any time. To reconnect an agent, a new agent and a new API key must be generated, as the process is not automatically reversible.
This feature comes at a time of intense competition to dominate interaction with AI agents. Telegram, for example, has long allowed users to connect to bots and external agents, and Meta wants to ensure WhatsApp doesn't fall behind. The company also recently launched the Meta Business Agent to revolutionize business communication by managing payments and bookings on its platforms, demonstrating its commitment to transforming its apps into a hub for AI.
A gradual rollout that will shape the future of messaging
For now, the feature is only available to a small group of Android beta users, and there's no confirmed date for its global release. The company is evaluating performance, user adoption, and potential security issues before expanding its reach. It's expected to roll out to more devices and operating systems in the coming months, though Meta hasn't provided specific details on when it will be available to all users.
WhatsApp's move towards external agents represents a significant strategic shift. The platform, traditionally focused on human-to-human communication, is now opening up to an ecosystem of AI assistants that can perform tasks, answer queries, or automate processes without leaving the app. For users, the convenience is clear: having all their contacts and AI agents in one place. But it also means accepting that data shared with these agents doesn't enjoy the same level of protection as regular conversations.
The news has generated significant interest in the tech community, especially among AI developers and advanced users. The ability to connect custom agents via an API key opens up a world of possibilities, from shopping assistants to productivity tools and entertainment bots. However, the decision to forgo end-to-end encryption for these chats will be a point of consideration for those who prioritize their privacy.
In short, WhatsApp is taking a bold step toward integrating itself into the artificial intelligence landscape. This test is a clear indication that the company wants its app to be not only a place to talk to people, but also a bridge to interact with all kinds of digital assistants. Time will tell if this move manages to win over users and if it becomes a standard feature in the near future.
