To restrict Meta AI on a teen’s WhatsApp account, use the teen’s phone and set Meta AI to Limited under Settings > Parental controls. Limited further restricts the topics the teen can discuss with Meta AI; it does not remove Meta AI entirely.
Change the Meta AI setting
- On the teen’s phone, open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Parental controls.
- Enter the parent PIN.
- Tap Meta AI and choose Limited.
WhatsApp says Standard is the default. It allows topics generally aligned with content ratings for users aged 13 and older. Limited further restricts discussion topics, though WhatsApp does not publish a detailed list of which topics it blocks. Meta AI features that use Private Processing are unavailable while Limited is selected. WhatsApp explains the Meta AI options here.
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Set up parental controls if they are not linked yet
WhatsApp’s optional teen controls are intended for teens aged 13–17 and a parent or guardian aged 18 or older. Both must agree to link their accounts. The parent creates a six-digit PIN, which is needed to access and change protected settings. WhatsApp says the minimum age to use its service can be higher than 13 in some countries or regions.
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- On the teen’s phone, update WhatsApp, then open Settings > Parental controls > Continue.
- Confirm the teen’s birthday and age, then continue to link a parent account.
- On the parent’s phone, scan the QR code displayed on the teen’s phone and verify that the parent is an adult.
- Create the six-digit parent PIN.
- On the teen’s phone, enter the PIN and review the available settings.
WhatsApp requires the latest version of its app for iPhone or Android for setup. See its teen parental-controls setup instructions for the process.
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If “Parental controls” is missing
WhatsApp says the feature is rolling out gradually and may not yet be available in every region. Update the app through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, then check WhatsApp’s Help Center and official updates for availability. An update may not make the option appear if the rollout has not reached your region; WhatsApp does not provide a region-by-region schedule or guaranteed release date in the cited guidance.
What parents can and cannot see
Parental controls let a parent manage selected privacy settings and feature experiences, including Meta AI, Channels, and Status. They do not give the parent access to the teen’s personal message or call content. WhatsApp says personal messages and calls remain end-to-end encrypted: “No one outside of the chat, not even the parent or WhatsApp, can read, listen to, or share them.” Read WhatsApp’s overview of teen parental controls.
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Parents manage supported settings with the PIN under Settings > Parental controls on the teen’s phone. Teens can view and adjust privacy settings under Settings > Privacy; changing a setting to a less restrictive option requires parent approval. WhatsApp describes this process in its guide to viewing and managing teens’ privacy settings. For age-verification details, see WhatsApp’s age-verification information.
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