WhatsApp is currently testing a new message reminders feature designed to help users manage their conversations more effectively. This upcoming functionality, discovered in the latest beta version of WhatsApp for Android by WABetaInfo, will allow users to set specific reminders for individual messages, offering an alternative to existing methods like pinning chats or starring messages.
The feature provides both preset and custom timing options for reminders. Users can long-press on any message, select “Remind me,” and then choose from preset intervals of 2 hours, 8 hours, or 24 hours, or set a custom timer. Once a reminder is activated, a small bell icon will appear in the corner of the message, making it easily identifiable within a conversation thread.
Upon the expiration of the set timer, WhatsApp will issue a notification labeled “🔔Reminder.” This notification will include the message content, identify the chat it originated from, and display a preview of any media associated with the message, mirroring the format of a standard notification.
In addition to user-initiated message reminders, WhatsApp is also experimenting with a proactive reminder system. WABetaInfo reports that this system aims to notify users about unread messages from their most frequently contacted individuals. The purpose of this proactive feature is to assist users who may be managing numerous conversations and inadvertently overlook important messages from frequent contacts.
As with all features in the beta testing phase, there is no confirmed launch date for these reminder functionalities. WhatsApp is expected to expand these tests to the iOS platform in due course.
