WhatsApp has been spotted developing a feature; this time, not a Communication Tool which is in a Beta test currently with iOS users. However, this functionality will allow users to filter chat messages directly within the chat list. According to WABetaInfo, the feature, referred to as “Filter Chat List,” will be made available in a future update of the app.
As depicted in the screenshot above by WaBetaInfo, it showcases a “Filter Bar” with three options to access chat messages that a user hasn’t viewed: personal chats, business-related messages, and unread messages. This productivity tool efficiently assists users in managing their chat list by enabling them to filter their conversations with ease.
One notable observation made by WABetaInfo is the absence of a dedicated filter for group chats, which play a crucial role in communication for many WhatsApp users. Having a convenient way to filter and access these group chats would enhance the overall user experience. The report expressed hope that WhatsApp would consider adding this feature during the development of the mentioned update in the future.
It is worth noting that WhatsApp already has the “Chatlist Unread Filter” feature, which allows users to quickly view all their unread chats, including group messages. “To filter unread chats, you’ll need to have the latest version of WhatsApp installed on your device.”
- On iPhone: Scroll down in the chatlist to reveal the search bar. Then, tap the filter icon. Tap the icon again to turn it off.
- On Android: Tap the search bar, then press Unread. To turn off the filter, tap the X or delete key on your Android keyboard.
- On Web and Desktop: Click the filter icon to the right of the search bar. To turn off the filter, click the icon again.
- On the WhatsApp Business app for Web: Click the filter icon to the right of the search bar, then click Unread chats. To turn off the filter, click the icon again.
According to the help center page of WhatsApp, the chatlist unread filter is unavailable on WhatsApp Business for iPhone.
Given that WhatsApp already has a filter feature for images when users want to update their status, there is a high probability that the observed “Filter Bar” with three options to access unread, personal, and business messages will be launched by Meta at a later date.
