WhatsApp revolutionizes: Chat with other apps from the same application in Spain: Learn how in 5 steps

By 2024, a radical and unprecedented change was proposed for WhatsApp: total interoperability between messaging applicationsthanks to an external chat service.

This system, which began its implementation towards the end of 2025, is already being launched in Spain. Spanish WhatsApp users can now activate sending and receiving messages from other applications.

When configuring this system, a list of compatible applications will be displayed, which for now is quite small. Additionally, users will be able to control how these messages will be displayed in the app.

WhatsApp implements third-party messages

WhatsApp has released a support document for this new feature. However, they have made it clear that this implementation is in response to «legislative changes in Europe»referring specifically to the European Digital Markets Act (DMA).

These regulations require applications and services to adhere to a set of strict guidelines to continue operating in Europe, including interoperability with other messaging applications.

With this law in force, WhatsApp now allows its users to communicate with users of third-party applications. The applications integrated with WhatsApp can be configured by users, who will have complete freedom of choice.

Individual messages will be allowed between the user’s WhatsApp account and users of supported third-party messaging services. For now, the only app on this list is BirdyChat.

BirdyChat is the first application that allows its users to send messages to WhatsApp users without having to have the latter installed on their devices.

And the great advantage of this method is that does not require the other application to be installed. A WhatsApp user can receive BirdyChat messages without needing to have the app on their mobile, and vice versa.

WhatsApp has indicated that this function will have certain limitations. Some of the main features of WhatsApp, such as temporary messages or stickers, They will not be available in third-party app chats.

These chats will only be available on the WhatsApp apps for Android and iOS, and only the phone number will be shared with the other party. The profile photo or name will not be displayed, and functions of these other applications will not be managed.

Otherwise, users will be able to send messages as usual, including documents, voice messages, videos and photos. You can also choose between a combined or separate inbox and adjust the quality of media files or push notifications.

When you enter WhatsApp, a banner which will offer the option to configure this system. It will only be necessary to select the third-party applications to activate, choose the inbox and that’s it.

To activate it manually, just go to Settings, then Accounts, and finally to the ‘Third Party Chat’ section. There, you will tap on the activate button and all the necessary steps will be followed.

If you opt for the combined inbox, these chats will appear mixed with conventional chats. If you prefer a separate tray, you will have to access its dedicated tab, in Third Party Chats.

To start a chat with a user in a third-party application, simply click on the New Chat button and select third-party chats. However, it will be necessary to know the recipient’s ID.

An important aspect is notifications from third-party chats. By default and without having activated these chats, we may receive requests from other users coming from other applications, using our number.

Fortunately, this can be disabled. In the Settings section, you will go to Account and then to Third Party Chats, to finally tap on Third Party Chat Requests and deactivate them all.