Recently, WhatsApp rolled out an updated feature that encourages users to check for status story updates from their contacts. In a new enhancement, the platform has now integrated reminders for messages as well.
Currently undergoing testing with the v2.24.25.29 build on Android, this feature was initially identified by the update tracker WABetaInfo. Our team at DigitalTrends has verified that it is available in the latest beta version through the Google Play Store.
Users can toggle this feature on in the Notifications settings, allowing the app to send occasional nudges regarding “messages or status updates” that haven’t been viewed for some time. The specific frequency of these alerts—whether they are displayed as in-app reminders or stand-alone notifications—remains unclear.
Furthermore, the app doesn’t clarify how these notifications are prioritized, especially whether they focus on contacts with whom users frequently interact. However, according to WABetaInfo, this functionality appears to rely on an algorithm based on user engagement patterns.
“If a user reinstalls the application, WhatsApp will need to reassess these interactions since none of this data is retained in backups or stored on their servers,” the report states. The primary aim is to ensure that users don’t overlook important messages from friends and family.
While this new feature may not seem revolutionary, it holds significant potential, especially in regions where businesses—from banks to telecom services and grocery delivery giants—rely heavily on WhatsApp for critical communications and alerts.
Numerous small businesses and marketplaces also utilize WhatsApp for customer outreach, including digital payment integrations. As a result, the influx of messages from various services can quickly overshadow personal messages, making this Reminders feature a beneficial addition.
The concept is reminiscent of the “nudge” system found in Gmail, which first appeared in 2018 and was later adopted in Google’s Messages app. In that framework, users receive alerts about texts that need follow-up or reminders about birthdays.
As of now, there’s no indication of when this Reminders feature will be made available to WhatsApp users through the stable release. With nearly three billion users globally, according to estimates from Statista, WhatsApp serves as a vital communication tool in both personal and business contexts, particularly in areas like Asia and Latin America. Providing users with the chance to catch up on potentially missed messages is certainly a positive advancement.
