Top 3 Key Points:
- The new feature lets community admins hide group chats.
- Only invited members and admins can see hidden chats.
- Available in WhatsApp Beta version 2.24.17.5 for Android.
WhatsApp is introducing a new beta update for Android devices, version 2.24.17.5. This update includes a feature that allows community admins to hide specific group chats from the general view.
According to WABetaInfo, the new feature lets community admins decide whether certain group chats should be visible to everyone. When creating a new group, admins can choose to keep it hidden. This means only invited members and community admins will see these hidden groups. This setting ensures that private or sensitive discussions remain confidential.
Once a group is set to be hidden, its visibility cannot be changed after being added to the community. This feature helps maintain the privacy of certain conversations within the community.
Previously, WhatsApp had announced plans to develop a feature to manage the visibility of community group chats. With the release of version 2.24.17.5, this feature is now being tested by some beta users.
This new update allows better management and organization of community interactions. It’s currently available to select beta testers who update to WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.24.17.5 via the Google Play Beta Program. The feature will be rolled out to more users in the coming days.
In addition to this feature, WhatsApp Beta users are also testing a Group Description option for communities. Admins can now describe what the group is about, helping members understand what to expect before joining. However, it is not mandatory and can be left blank.