WhatsApp is constantly changing things in its messenger app and adding new features, so it’s not easy to keep track of everything.
A lot has happened in the last few weeks and months in particular, with WhatsApp is testing out lots of exciting new functionality. Some of these 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 is introducing 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 this was already possible there.
The new function makes it easy to plan joint activities such as parties and other meetups, but also 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.
The creation of events will be activated gradually. But if you don’t have the function yet, it’s only a matter of time.
Use email address for verification
It’s now possible for everyone to add an email address to WhatAapp in addition to their own phone number. This enables simple verification if you want to register on a new device. You will then receive the code by email instead of SMS.
You can also use your email address for two-factor authentication if you’ve forgotten your PIN.
Search chats by date
This new WhatsApp feature is somewhat hidden. You can now search chats by a specific date to see messages and content sent and received on that day.
The feature was tested for a very long time in various beta versions, but can now be used by everyone. All you have to do is go to the three-dot menu (for Android) or the contact name (on iOS) in a chat and then select Search.
A new addition here is a calendar icon with a magnifying glass next to it. If you tap on it, you can select the desired date in the displayed calendar and jump to this day to view the chat history.
Beta testers get even more
Those who test the beta versions of WhatsApp will get even more new features before anyone else. For example, WhatsApp is currently testing a simplified transfer of chats that runs 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 on this in our separate article: WhatsApp sets new 30-day deadline – here’s what you need to do now.
This article originally appeared on our sister publication PC-WELT and was translated and adapted from German.
Author: Laura Pippig, Staff Writer, PC-WELT
Laura is an enthusiastic gamer as well as a movie and TV fan. After studying communication science, she went straight into a job at PCMagazin and Connect Living. Since then, she has been writing about everything to do with PCs and technology topics, and has been a permanent editor at our German sister site PC-WELT since May 2024.