(Image source from: Canva.com)

WhatsApp might be creating a new function for its Android application that enhances how users manage activities within group chats. According to a report from a feature tracker, it will allow users to silence ‘everyone’ mentions in group discussions soon. This upcoming function is thought to give users an additional tool to reduce constant or unnecessary mentions of everyone, adding a personal touch to conversations. As reported by the WhatsApp feature tracker WABetaInfo, the mute everyone mentions function was found in WhatsApp Beta for Android version 2.25.27.1, which is identified as a compatible update. The instant messaging service owned by Meta Platforms is possibly working on this feature for a future app version. The feature tracker shared a screenshot showing a new Mute @everyone option added beneath the mute toggle in the notification settings on WhatsApp for Android. However, this feature is not activated by default and needs to be enabled manually.

This new feature being developed is completely different from the existing function that allows people to mention everyone in group chats. It is available for all members, not just group admins, letting any participant notify everyone with one alert. To tackle worries about its potential for misuse and disruptions, the mute everyone mentions feature is said to be in the works. Once available, users will have the ability to mute group chats to stop notifications caused by these mentions. They will also have the choice to keep getting those notifications even if the group chat is muted by adjusting the settings on WhatsApp for Android. WABetaInfo indicates that the mute everyone mentions function on WhatsApp is still in development and is currently not accessible to beta testers signed up through the Google Play Beta program. This feature might become available for testing in the upcoming weeks with a future version of the app.