You can mark WhatsApp messages 'read', without opening the app
What's the story
WhatsApp just can't stop releasing new features, and the latest one now allows you to mark messages as read without even having to open the app. Up until now, WhatsApp users had to open the app to mark messages as read. Now, the same can be done from the notifications panel. How to get your hands on the feature? We explain.
Feature
The feature is available on WhatsApp beta for Android Oreo
Currently, the notification panel mark-as-read feature is only available on WhatsApp beta version for Android. Like the already existing 'Reply' button on WhatsApp notifications, the 'Mark As Read' option is available below a WhatsApp notification, beside the 'Reply' button. Notably, it's only available for people running the WhatsApp beta on Android Oreo. To get the beta, follow the steps described below.
Route #1
Signing up for WhatsApp beta via an internet browser
There are two ways to get your hands on the WhatsApp beta version for Android - you can either sign up via an internet browser or sign up on your smartphone via the Google PlayStore. For online registration, head to the WhatsApp beta page, click 'Become a Tester', and you're good to go. You should receive a download link within a few hours.
Route #2
Signing up for WhatsApp beta via an Android smartphone
Signing up via your smartphone is also a simple process. All you have to do is head to Google PlayStore and search for WhatsApp. Keep scrolling down till you find the 'Become a Beta Tester' section. Then, simply tap the 'I'm In' button and tap 'Join' to confirm. Your WhatsApp should update to the beta version.
Leaving the beta
How to leave the beta program if things get hairy
If, after getting the beta version, you find that it's crashing way too often for your liking or has too many glitches, you have the option to opt out of the beta programme. To do so, head to the beta page via a web browser or go to Google Play Store on your smartphone. You should see a 'leave the program' button for both.