WhatsApp is constantly changing elements of its messaging app and adding new features, so it’s not easy to keep track of everything.
In recent weeks and months, WhatsApp has been testing many interesting new features. Some of them are already known from early beta versions or have only been introduced gradually. As a result, many people may have overlooked some useful features.
But the following features are now available to everyone, and all three are worth using.
New Event Feature for Group Chats
With version 24.13.72 for iOS and version 2.24.14.9 for Android, WhatsApp introduces a new feature that allows you to create events directly in group chats.
This will be familiar to anyone who has joined a WhatsApp community, as it was already possible there.
The new feature makes it easy to plan shared activities like parties and get-togethers, as well as group video calls. You can set a date and location for an event and add a description. Each participant in a group can then be invited to the event.
Event creation will be enabled gradually. But if you don’t have the feature yet, it’s just a matter of time.
Use email address for verification
It is now possible for everyone to add an email address to WhatAapp in addition to their own phone number. This allows for easy verification if you want to register on a new device. You will then receive the code via email instead of SMS.
You can also use your email address for two-factor authentication if you forgot your PIN.
Search discussions by date
This new feature of WhatsApp is somewhat hidden. You can now search for chats by a specific date to see the messages and content sent and received on that day.
The feature has been tested for a very long time in different beta versions, but can now be used by everyone. Just go to the three-dot menu (for Android) or to the contact’s name (on iOS) in a conversation and then select Research.
A new feature is the addition of a calendar icon with a magnifying glass next to it. If you tap on it, you can select the desired date from the displayed calendar and navigate to that day to view the chat history.
Beta testers get even more
Those who test WhatsApp beta versions will benefit from new features before everyone else. For example, WhatsApp is currently testing a simplified transfer of conversations that works without a backup function.
Please also note that WhatsApp is currently issuing a warning to anyone who backs up their data with Google Drive. You can find more information about this in our separate article: WhatsApp sets new 30-day deadline – here’s what you need to do now.
This article was originally published in our sister publication PC-WELT and has been translated and adapted from German.
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