WhatsApp is testing a feature to ensure you never miss a message

WhatsApp has been steadily rolling out updates to improve how its ~2.9 billion users stay connected. From voice message transcripts to message drafts, the platform seems determined to cement its spot as the world’s most popular messaging app.

Now, WhatsApp is testing a new Reminders feature aimed at preventing users from missing important messages.

Currently rolling out to beta testers on Android with version 2.24.25.29, the Reminders feature builds on a similar update for status notifications. According to WABetaInfo, the new feature uses an algorithm to prioritize contacts based on frequent interactions and will alert you to any missed messages while you were away.

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Now you can stay in the loop, even when you’re at a busy train station, in a noisy café, or anywhere else where hitting play on a voice message just isn’t practical.

TechloyEmmanuel Oyedeji

Importantly, these reminders are local to your device, meaning they won’t sync with backups and will reset if you reinstall the app.

Additionally, the feature is expected to remain optional, with a toggle in the Notifications settings. WhatsApp also claims the reminders will appear sparingly to avoid overwhelming users.

Image Credit: WABetaInfo

The idea may not sound groundbreaking, but in regions like Asia, Latin America and Africa, where WhatsApp dominates both personal and business communication, it could be invaluable.

Missed messages in countries where businesses rely on WhatsApp for banking alerts, customer service, or deliveries can have tangible consequences. For individuals, it could also be a safeguard against losing track of important conversations in busy chat lists.

Meanwhile, WhatsApp approach feels familiar. Google’s Gmail nudges introduced in 2018 and follow-up alerts in Google Messages have similar goals. However, WhatsApp’s take seems tailored to its unique position as a messaging platform that straddles personal, professional, and enterprise needs. Yet, there’s a fine line between helpful and invasive, and the feature’s success will depend on how well it balances these elements.

For now, there’s no official word on when—or if—it will be widely available. While its utility is clear, especially for business-heavy regions, it’s too soon to tell whether it will become a permanent addition or another fleeting experiment.

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TechloyDavid Adubiina