WhatsApp Third-Party AI Agents: How It Works

WhatsApp rolls out third-party AI agents with a 5-agent limit and no end-to-end encryption

WhatsApp is gradually enabling users to connect third-party AI agents and chat with them inside the app. The agents are operated by independent developers, can access only shared information, and use conversations that are not protected by WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption.

Editor: AI News 24x7 Published: 06 Sep 2026, 05:33 PM Updated: 06 Sep 2026, 05:33 PM

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WhatsApp rolls out third-party AI agents with a 5-agent limit and no end-to-end encryption.

WhatsApp is gradually rolling out third-party AI agents, allowing users to connect external services and chat with them through dedicated conversations inside the messaging app. The move expands the types of automated services that can be accessed without switching to another app or website.

WhatsApp has published Terms of Service for Use of Third Party Agents, last updated on August 25. The documents describe these agents as services built, owned and operated by independent companies or developers. WhatsApp provides the platform through which they communicate with users but does not own, operate, control, verify or endorse them.

How the feature works

Users can connect up to 5 third-party agents at a time. After reaching that limit, an existing agent must be disconnected before another can be added. WhatsApp says the limit could change in the future.

The Help Centre says users can chat with third-party agents through WhatsApp. It also covers agents created by users themselves with tools and code developed by third-party developers. These agents can access only the information that users share with them.

According to a report from WhatsApp tracker WABetaInfo, the feature was spotted in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.35.3. Users can add and configure an agent through WhatsApp settings, give it a name and profile , and then open a dedicated chat. WhatsApp generates an API key to connect the agent with the conversation.

The system covers AI agents as well as other automated services, so its scope is not limited to generative AI assistants.

Privacy and encryption

Chats with third-party agents have a different privacy status from regular WhatsApp conversations. WhatsApp says personal messages and calls remain protected by end-to-end encryption, but conversations with third-party agents are not considered end-to-end encrypted.

The company’s terms say messages are managed through a Meta service on behalf of the agent developer. The provider operating an agent receives, processes and stores those messages in unencrypted form, subject to its own data-handling practices.

WhatsApp advises users to read the terms and privacy policy of each agent provider before starting a conversation. The responsibility for handling the exchanged data rests with the independent service operating the agent.

Limited rollout and Meta’s wider AI push

WABetaInfo reported that the feature is available to a limited number of users in select countries and is being gradually rolled out to more accounts. WhatsApp has not announced a date for wider availability. Access to individual agents will also depend on the providers involved, WhatsApp’s policies and rollout conditions in each market.

The rollout is separate from Meta’s business-focused AI products. In June, Meta announced Meta Business Agent, a tool intended to help businesses manage customer conversations on WhatsApp, Messenger and Instagram. Meta said businesses can use it to answer questions, recommend products, book appointments, qualify leads and support sales.

Meta has also introduced Business AI for eligible small businesses in India through the WhatsApp Business app. That tool can answer customer queries, recommend products, capture leads, book appointments and assist with sales.

The third-party agent feature is aimed at individual WhatsApp users. Its eventual role will depend on how many providers connect their services, how the rollout develops and how users respond to the privacy conditions.

Conclusion

WhatsApp has confirmed support for third-party agents, while beta testing indicates that access is expanding gradually. The feature adds new services inside WhatsApp, but chats with those agents do not have the same end-to-end encryption as personal conversations.