WhatsApp’s new message summaries feature helps you catch up on group chats without scrolling endlessly. But unlike most updates, this one puts you fully in charge. So, if you're wondering how to enable chat summaries in WhatsApp, here’s everything you need to know — straight from WhatsApp’s official update.
What Are Chat Summaries in WhatsApp?
Chat summaries are AI-powered recaps that highlight key points from group conversations — like mentions, replies, and important messages — when you return after being inactive.
They're currently being tested with a small group of users, in English only, and they aim to make catching up feel effortless without invading your privacy.
Are Chat Summaries On By Default?
No. Summaries are off by default.
WhatsApp makes it clear:
"Using Private Processing features like Message Summaries is optional and they are off by default."
This means:
- You won’t get summaries unless you turn them on.
- You get to choose which chats, if any, you want to enable summaries for.
- Everything runs with Advanced Chat Privacy options.
How to Enable Chat Summaries
If the feature is available to you (as of June 26, 2025, only US users have it), here’s how to turn it on:
- Go to WhatsApp Settings.
(Exact label may vary once the feature is fully rolled out.) - Find the "Private Processing" or “Advanced Chat Privacy” section.
- Enable Message Summaries.
- Choose which chats you want summaries to apply to — you can opt in selectively.
WhatsApp hasn’t provided step-by-step screenshots yet, but this is the general flow expected based on the blog.
Is My Privacy Protected?
Absolutely. According to WhatsApp:
- Message summaries are private and visible only to you.
- End-to-end encryption remains intact — not even Meta or WhatsApp can read your messages.
- You have full control over which chats are included, or you can turn off the feature entirely.
What If I Don’t See "Message Summaries" feature on my WhatsApp?
That means the feature hasn’t been rolled out to your account yet. Right now, WhatsApp is testing summaries with a limited group of users, so access is still restricted.
Keep your app updated — broader availability may come soon.
Chat summaries are a thoughtful way to stay updated without overwhelm — and WhatsApp is keeping your privacy at the core of it. You’re not only getting AI help, but also the power to choose when and where it’s used.
Summaries aren’t automatic — and that’s a good thing. WhatsApp lets you opt in, opt out, and stay in charge of what gets processed. Total control, just the way it should be.
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