As a WhatsApp beta tester, you get access to new WhatsApp features before anyone else. TECHBOOK explains how to use the beta program for Android and iOS.
WhatsApp regularly gives the popular messenger new functions. These new functions are often announced a few weeks in advance because they appear in the beta version of the app – i.e. in the public test version of the messenger. But how do you actually become a beta tester for WhatsApp? TECHBOOK explains what you have to do in detail.
In the beta program, WhatsApp tests new features on a small number of users to ensure that there are as few errors as possible in the update when it is released for all WhatsApp users. So beta users volunteer to be guinea pigs for new WhatsApp features and get them before anyone else. Anyone can become a tester of the new functions – as long as you use Messenger on an Android smartphone or iPhone. A separate application is not necessary, at least for Android, but test capacities must be available.
You can find out how to register for the WhatsApp beta here in the video:
WhatsApp beta for Android
If you have an Android smartphone, all you have to do is visit the registration page Google Play Store. Click on the “Become a tester” button to find out whether test capacities are currently available. If this is the case, interested parties can register for the WhatsApp beta program with one click. Otherwise you should check back at a later date.
If you were still able to get a seat as a WhatsApp beta tester, log in with your Google account. The beta app will start downloading automatically. Now, after a short time, you will receive the beta updates as normal via the Google Play Store on your mobile phone.
Important: When users visit the Play Store page, they should be signed in to the browser with the same Google account that they use on their smartphone.
Beta testing on iPhone
If iPhone owners would like to register for the WhatsApp beta program, the way is via the app “TestFlight“. On a special website Interested parties can find out whether there is still free capacity and can apply for the test program. If accepted, users will receive an email invitation with a special code from the developers to install the WhatsApp beta app.
Beta users also have disadvantages
Participation in the beta program has one catch, however: Since you get a test version on your smartphone, you have to accept that the app can be less stable than the regular version. This means that there can be occasional crashes and errors that you are not used to from the normal app. As such, you should consider whether early access to new features is worth the disadvantage.