WhatsApp is apparently working on a new feature that will give users more control over their unread message count in the Android app. This feature is still in development, therefore beta testers who joined through the Google Play Beta Program may still need access to it. The rumored functionality could be useful for users who receive a large number of text messages on the app and struggle to manage conversations as a result.
According to WhatsApp update tracker WABetaInfo, the instant messaging platform is testing a new feature that resets the unread message count whenever a user opens the app.
Although the feature was observed in WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.11.13, it is not currently live, and beta users may not see it if they install the most recent beta build. According to the report, this functionality would be accessible (whenever WhatsApp makes it available) through Notifications settings.
According to a screenshot given by the publication, a new Settings option has been added to Notifications. Users can currently see two options underneath the Light option: one that allows them to activate notification previews and another that displays reaction notifications.
In the screenshot, between these two options, a new option called Clear unread when app opens appears. Its description states that “your unread message count will be cleared every time the app opens.”
This could be a useful tool for people who are overwhelmed by a high volume of text messages. For example, every day, I receive 20-25 new messages, and it can be difficult to keep up with them all. Some of them may not even require a response from me.
However, even if I don’t open them, the Chats icon at the bottom will continue to display the number of unread chats. An identical problem can be encountered by people who are added to many groups with many messages.
While it is a little inconvenient to see the unorganized app with hundreds of unread messages, it is encouraging to see that the platform recognizes that this may be degrading the experience of certain users. The report adds that once a user activates the setting option, the unread count will be reset to zero every time they open the application, thus eliminating the need to manually access each and every chat.