Cross-messaging between WhatsApp and Telegram: what's changing and how it will work

The idea of ​​being able to message someone on Telegram from WhatsApp (and vice versa) had been on users' minds for years, but until now it was more of a wish than a reality. European regulations have tightened the screws on the tech giants , and with that, the spark of interoperability between messaging platforms has been ignited.

In this new scenario, WhatsApp is already making moves: a section for receiving messages from other apps has appeared in beta versions. The feature isn't yet generally available , and while the technical framework is progressing, key pieces are still missing: as of today, there's no confirmation that Telegram, Signal, or even Google Messages have integrated with this system.

What does it really mean to send cross-messages between WhatsApp and Telegram?

When we talk about cross-messaging, we mean something very specific: two people being able to chat regardless of which app they're using . That is, writing from WhatsApp and the other person receiving it in Telegram, or a Signal contact messaging you and you reading it within WhatsApp, all without installing anything extra or leaving your usual app.

The technical term behind this is “interoperability.” Europe, with its Digital Markets Act (DMA), requires gatekeepers to open up to prevent practices that harm competition and users. In messaging, this translates to allowing third parties to connect and send basic messages while maintaining security.

In the case of WhatsApp, this doesn't mean a complete change in how it works, but rather the addition of a well-monitored gateway through which other platforms can deliver text messages, voice notes, videos, and files . Initially, this will be between two users; later, it is planned to expand to groups and calls, according to the European roadmap.

The key is ensuring this openness doesn't compromise the app's encryption or philosophy. The technical challenge is significant : different systems must communicate effectively without compromising privacy, integrity, and security.

What's available right now: betas, compatibility, and limitations

The stable version of WhatsApp doesn't yet include this feature, but beta versions have shown a specific section for managing these external messages. This section is known as "Third-Party Chats" and appears separate from your regular conversations to avoid confusion and unwanted mixing.

What's the situation today? Although the technological bridge is starting to be built, there are no confirmed apps that take advantage of this access . We're not just talking about Telegram: neither Signal nor Google Messages are listed as integrated into this experience at the time of writing, so don't expect to find contacts from outside the region messaging you on WhatsApp just yet.

It's worth highlighting another important point: when you enable interoperability (when it arrives on your phone), WhatsApp will warn you that third-party services may use different encryption methods . This doesn't mean "no protection," but it does mean that if another app uses its own mechanisms, the guarantee and security scheme won't be identical to WhatsApp's.

Furthermore, opening an external channel also creates a potential opportunity for spam. WhatsApp itself warns of the risk of abuse by third-party messaging services , which is why messages will be stored in a separate container and, above all, why the feature will be optional.

How it will be activated on WhatsApp: the role of "Third-Party Chats"

Activation, as seen in tests, will be quite straightforward: you'll be able to enable receiving or sending messages from external apps with a switch in the settings area. When you do this, your conversations from sources other than WhatsApp will be grouped in a visible and distinct section at the top of your inbox.

This extra "box" helps separate communication flows and maintain control. If you don't activate interoperability, no one will be able to message you from Telegram or any other platform . It's an opt-in mechanism that, in addition to giving you control, aims to reduce the reach of spam and scams.

Initially , support is expected to cover the basics between two users: text, voice notes, video, and files . Group chats and calls could be added later if the experience remains stable, secure, and useful, in line with the timelines set by the European regulator.

Another piece of the puzzle is the technical and operational agreements between companies. For Telegram, Signal, and others to connect, specific implementations and coordination will be necessary . It's understandable that this won't happen overnight, especially since these platforms compete with each other and their priorities don't always align.

Privacy and security: the balance that WhatsApp is striving for

WhatsApp's engineering team has explained that their goal is clear: to allow message exchange while maintaining end-to-end encryption . The challenge lies in providing a simple integration path for third parties without lowering the standards of privacy, security, and integrity that the app sets for itself.

Therefore, in addition to the well-known opt-in process, information received from outside is isolated in a separate section. This isolation isn't just about "organization"; it's an operational layer of protection that makes it easier to detect abuse, report senders, and, if you wish, immediately disable the feature without affecting your regular chats.

It's also important to consider that each external service may have its own encryption and metadata policies. WhatsApp wants to avoid being the weak link while simultaneously not becoming an impenetrable fortress that prevents others from integrating. This tug-of-war explains why the implementation has been in development for some time.

Within that roadmap, individual messaging will be the first step. The move to groups and calls will come later and will be contingent on complying with European regulations and demonstrating that the experience does not degrade security or service quality.

DMA: the law that drives interoperability

All of this doesn't happen by magic or solely through the will of companies. The European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA) identifies several technology companies as gatekeepers and requires them to open up key components of their services to prevent unfair conditions and promote competition.

Among these access gatekeepers are Meta (owner of WhatsApp), Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, ByteDance, and Microsoft. The focus on messaging falls particularly on WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger due to their enormous user base; therefore, they are the ones responsible for ensuring interoperability with third parties.

The regulator has set deadlines and phases, although with adjustments to the schedule. The expectation is that interoperability will gradually consolidate in the short and medium term , with phased and monitored progress. In case of non-compliance, the penalties contemplated are substantial: from considerable fines to structural remedies.

Also relevant is the context of other European measures that have affected related sectors, such as opening iOS to third-party app stores and applications. The core idea is to limit overly restrictive practices and encourage genuine alternatives without compromising user security.

Dates, releases, and what we know so far

There is no definitive date yet for the general rollout of cross-messaging on WhatsApp. Hints in beta versions pointed to developments during 2024 , and the company itself has indicated that it will provide more details and enable the feature in phases, once it is technically and legally ready.

This does not prevent some users with beta versions from seeing menus or notifications related to interoperability. Until there is an official announcement, behavior may change , and testing may vary from country to country or device to device.

It also remains to be seen whether the feature will be available on WhatsApp Business from the start. If it is, it would have a significant impact on customer service and business reach , as it would allow businesses to receive inquiries from other channels without leaving the company's environment.

In any case, availability will depend on both WhatsApp and the other platforms. If Telegram, Signal, Viber, or others don't connect their systems , interoperability will be left in limbo.

App compatibility: who should be open and who can add

The DMA primarily compels designated giants, and in messaging, the immediate focus is on WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. Other applications are not subject to the same restrictions , but they can benefit from interoperability by opening their doors and reaching WhatsApp users without requiring them to install anything additional.

This opens up some interesting scenarios from a competitive standpoint: is Telegram, which prides itself on its independence, interested in connecting with its most widespread rival? Strategically, there are doubts, but also advantages : greater reach and less friction when communicating with contacts who live on WhatsApp.

The decisions won't be just political; they'll also be technical. For a smooth and secure experience, formats, encryption methods, and abuse controls will need to be aligned . Any discrepancies could result in messages not being delivered, corrupted files, or constant security alerts.

For now, the only tangible fact is that there's no official list of compatible apps . Names like Google, Telegram, Viber, and Signal are being mentioned, but there are no firm confirmations or firm dates.

Risks and controls: spam, scams, and separate inboxes

Opening the door to messages from outside brings an immediate concern: spam. WhatsApp acknowledges the risk and takes measures : explicit consent, a separate inbox, controls to block and report, and, if necessary, the possibility of shutting down interoperability at a stroke.

The other major issue is privacy. If a third-party service doesn't replicate the same level of encryption or metadata , the user needs to be aware of this and able to decide whether or not to participate in that exchange. The in-app notification is therefore a fundamental part of the user experience.

There will also be performance issues. What will the latency be like? Will there be a noticeable delay in cross-message delivery? There's no conclusive data yet , and until it's enabled on a large scale, it will be difficult to draw firm conclusions.

In any case, the design of a separate tray serves a dual purpose: organization and containment . It organizes to prevent everything from getting mixed up and contains to limit any malicious behavior coming from "outside".

Why this matters: real habits and the case of Spain

In countries like Spain, Telegram has already surpassed eight million active users. With audiences fragmented across various apps, demanding that everyone use the same one is no longer realistic . Interoperability eliminates friction and reduces the classic "Do you have WhatsApp or Telegram?" question.

For end users, the obvious benefit is that you don't need to duplicate apps to talk to your contacts. For families and small groups, the change might go unnoticed at first , but for work environments, communities, and care services, it can be a significant relief.

It's also relevant from a competitive standpoint. If connecting to WhatsApp doesn't require abandoning your favorite app, the cost of switching platforms is reduced . In the medium term, we could see a market less dependent on a single tool.

However, there's no magic bullet: interoperability alone doesn't fix usability, moderation, or advanced feature issues that each app addresses in its own way. It's a bridge, not a complete replacement for the native experience.

How might it feel on a daily basis?

Imagine you use Telegram as your main app, but your group of friends lives on WhatsApp. With interoperability enabled, you could write from one app and it would reach the other without any problems , keeping your chats separate in their respective tabs within WhatsApp.

If someone contacts you from an external platform for the first time, you'll see their message in your "third parties" inbox. From there, you can choose whether to continue the conversation, block, or mute them . This streamlined process reduces friction and keeps you in control of incoming messages.

For sending files or voice notes, the plan is for them to work from the first 1:1 phase. Groups and calls will be a different story ; they will probably require more technical work and testing to avoid breaking anything along the way.

In short, less switching between apps, more focus on your conversations. And, above all, granular control to accept or close the door whenever you want.

What about Apple, Microsoft, and the rest of the gatekeepers?

The DMA's impact extends beyond messaging: Apple has had to open iOS to third-party apps and stores , Microsoft to review its integrations and practices, and Alphabet, Amazon, and ByteDance face obligations on various fronts. The common goal: to prevent dominant services from imposing unfair barriers on the rest of the market.

In this context, WhatsApp's interoperability is a particularly visible piece due to its impact on everyday communication. If it works well, users will notice concrete changes in their daily lives ; if it falters, it will serve as a reminder that striking a balance between security, competitiveness, and user experience is no easy feat.

In any case, compliance is being audited and adjusted over time . The timelines have been subject to change , and it wouldn't be surprising to see extended testing phases before the global rollout.

Questions that remain unanswered

Will there be complete feature parity between connected apps? The reasonable expectation is no: advanced features will continue to be better supported within each app . Interoperability will initially cover essential and secure functionality.

How will the technical cost of maintaining these bridges be covered? That depends on each agreement. There may be APIs, common protocols, and security validations that each platform will have to implement and maintain.

What if an app decides not to participate? That possibility always exists. The DMA sets obligations for some and channels for others , but it doesn't impose the same level of openness on everyone. Even so, for many apps, connecting with WhatsApp can be attractive because of its reach.

Will we see interoperability in WhatsApp Business? The door isn't closed, but the current priority is ensuring privacy in the consumer app . If it comes to Business, it could be a game-changer for support and sales.

With all of the above in mind, what's emerging is a profound shift in how messaging platforms communicate. The option to enable "Third-Party Chats" in WhatsApp, the isolation of these conversations in a separate inbox, the encryption and spam warnings, and the phased rollout are the pieces that fit together best today. The crucial step is still missing: that applications like Telegram, Signal, and Google Messages get on board, and that Meta finalizes the technical and compliance details so we can freely speak of a usable, secure, and, above all, practical interoperability for everyday use.