WhatsApp makes it easier to spot forwarded messages: Here’s how it works

Forwarded messages on WhatsApp will come with a label, making it easier for users to spot spams.

The new feature is currently visible only to WhatsApp beta users on Android. (REUTERS)

WhatsApp is making it easier to spot messages that have been forwarded to you.

Part of the latest beta version of the app on Android, the messages that have been forwarded come with a label. This feature is set on by default and cannot be altered.

If this feature has been updated on your WhatsApp beta app you will start noticing it on forwarded messages. Just above the message that has been forwarded, there will be a text highlighted which says "Forwarded" along with the arrow icon. So whenever you forward any message on WhatsApp and send it to other contacts, it will be displayed along with the forwarded label. Also, this forwarded tag doesn't appear on the desktop version of WhatsApp. There is no option either to turn this feature on/off.

This is how WhatsApp will show forwarded messages on the app. (HT Photo)

This is how WhatsApp will show forwarded messages on the app. (HT Photo)

As said earlier, this feature is visible only to WhatsApp beta users on Android. Those who wish to see how this feature works and other beta tests can do so by enrolling into WhatsApp's beta programme by following this link. You can always opt out of the beta programme by uninstalling the testing version, and downloading the public version of WhatsApp from Google Play Store.

While this doesn't confirm an official rollout, but WhatsApp could introduce it for all users soon. WhatsApp had started testing this feature back in February with some beta testers having received it. This feature doesn't add anything major to WhatsApp but it could help with the problem of forwarded and spam messages on the message app.

The confirmed features arriving on WhatsApp are group video calls and stickers. WhatsApp announced these features at Facebook's F8 2018 conference. WhatsApp will allow up to four participants take part in a group video call. Users will also get to send stickers possibly Messenger-like.