Is Tabu a native privacy extension for WhatsApp Desktop?

Yes. Tabu for macOS is a native menu-bar app that sits over the official WhatsApp Desktop client.

Does Tabu work with WhatsApp Web on Mac?

The macOS app covers official WhatsApp Desktop. For WhatsApp Web, use the Tabu Chrome extension.

macOS · WhatsApp Desktop

Native privacy for WhatsApp Desktop.

Tabu is a native privacy extension for official WhatsApp Desktop on Mac. It blurs chats, names, and previews, then reveals only what you hover.

Download for Mac Chrome extension

Native macOSWhatsApp DesktopNo message collection

MarinaMeet at 8?

Yes, same place.

MarinaCan you send it later?

I will check when I get home.

TomásThis is a private message. 🤫

Perfect.

Type a message

Built for WhatsApp Desktop

The same spotlight, on the native Mac app.

Native overlay on WhatsApp Desktop

Hover reveal on the official app

Mission Control stays covered

No message collection

Native macOS

A native privacy extension for WhatsApp Desktop.

Tabu for macOS is built for the official WhatsApp Desktop app, not for a browser tab. It is a native overlay that blurs chats on your Mac and reveals only what you hover, so WhatsApp Desktop stays usable in public.

The Problem

WhatsApp Desktop is still a public screen.

The native WhatsApp app on macOS puts names, previews, and message history on a large display. In a cafe, office, airport, or shared desk, anyone nearby can read your inbox.

Browser extensions cannot reach WhatsApp Desktop. Tabu for macOS exists for that gap: native privacy on the official desktop client.

Blur official WhatsApp Desktop automatically on macOS

Reveal only the hovered chat, message, or composer

Keep Mission Control thumbnails covered

Run as a native privacy extension with no message collection

How it works

A menu-bar overlay, not a web wrapper.

Tabu lives in the macOS menu bar and follows the official WhatsApp window. The frost stays on the chat until you hover, then that circle becomes readable.

When Mission Control opens, Tabu covers the WhatsApp Desktop thumbnail so chats do not flash on the overview. Chrome tabs and WhatsApp Web are left alone.

Use Cases

Private WhatsApp Desktop for shared rooms.

Using WhatsApp Desktop in cafes, offices, airports, or classrooms
Keeping native WhatsApp chats private during screen sharing
Hiding the official WhatsApp window in Mission Control
Preferring a native macOS overlay instead of WhatsApp Web

Install

Open anyway. Then grant Accessibility.

Download the DMG, drag Tabu into Applications, and launch it. macOS may say it cannot verify the developer. That is expected while the build is unsigned.

After the first blocked launch, go to System Settings, Privacy and Security, and click Open Anyway. Then allow Accessibility so Tabu can cover WhatsApp Desktop.

FAQ