WhatsApp disappearing messages, multi-device, and view-once mode: How to gain early access to these new features

WhatsApp has announced handy new features coming to its popular messaging app. So, from WhatsApp disappearing messages, multi-device option to view-once mode, here is how you can be first in line to use them.

You can follow a few easy steps on your Android phone to gain access to the latest features when they launch on the beta version of WhatsApp. (Unsplash)

WhatsApp is still in the process of requesting users around the world to accept the company's revised privacy policy that allows for greater sharing of data with Facebook. Meanwhile, the company has announced the arrival of three major upgrades coming to the messaging service.

We reported on June 3 that WhatsApp head Will Cathcart had revealed to popular feature leaker WABetaInfo that it was adding support for multi-device support, a default disappearing mode, and view-once media. According to the company, these features could arrive on the messaging service after a couple of months.

Multi-device messaging is one of the most awaited features that is expected to arrive on the popular chat service. It is expected to allow users to log in to the same account on up to four devices. Users will finally be able to use WhatsApp on their computer without requiring an internet connection on their cellphone – this could even pave the way for an iPad app.

While WhatsApp says that it will begin testing these features in the coming months, it doesn't mean that all users will be able to access the service immediately. These features will first roll out to the beta version of the app, where they will receive wider testing before rolling out to all users.

Unfortunately, if you want to sign up for the beta version of WhatsApp for iOS, there are no “testing slots” available at the moment. But if you want to be one of the first users to access that, then know that it will come to the beta version of WhatsApp for Android. You can follow these steps on your Android phone to gain access..

Step 1: Open the Google Play Store and search for the WhatsApp app on the Play Store.

Step 2: Tap the entry for WhatsApp and scroll down until you see the option to sign up for the beta version of the app.

Step 3: Now click the “I'm in” button and confirm. Check the Google Play Store for updates after a few minutes.

Step 4: If you do not see the option to sign up for the beta version of the app, or you find that all the slots are full, you can visit this link from your browser and sign up for the beta version of the app.

Once you have completed the signup process, you will keep receiving early builds of WhatsApp which will contain new features before they are released to other users. You should also receive the three major features mentioned above, as soon as the WhatsApp team releases them to the beta channel of the app.