The highlighted feature is the capability to edit a previously sent message
While WhatsApp is a highly popular instant messaging platform, it falls short in terms of feature offerings, despite Meta introducing new ones occasionally. One such feature, which has been available on Telegram since 2016, has now been introduced to WhatsApp but is currently limited to beta testing. This feature specifically allows users to edit sent messages, granting them greater flexibility on the platform by enabling modifications to already sent text messages.
According to WABetaInfo, a platform dedicated to monitoring upcoming changes and features in WhatsApp, the feature is now being gradually introduced to a limited group of beta testers worldwide. The report states that WhatsApp has initiated the rollout of a new ‘Edit’ button in the most recent beta version for Android.
The edit feature is currently undergoing testing on WhatsApp Web
Earlier this week, WhatsApp introduced the Edit feature on WhatsApp Web, and now it has expanded its availability to Android. The feature is now accessible on both WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp Beta for Android in their respective latest beta versions.
What is the functionality of the Edit message feature on WhatsApp?
According to the report and accompanying screenshots, users will find a new Edit button in the overflow menu. To edit a message, users need to long-press on the desired message and then tap the three dots located at the top right corner. From there, they can select the Edit option to make changes to the message. It’s worth noting that WhatsApp will include an “Edited” label on edited messages to inform recipients that the sender has made modifications to the message after sending it.
Nevertheless, there is a limitation. WhatsApp has implemented a time limit within which users can utilize the Edit option to modify a sent text. This window is set to 15 minutes, and once the allotted time has elapsed, it becomes impossible to make any further changes, except for deleting the message entirely for all recipients.
One significant limitation of this feature is its lack of support for multi-device mode. This implies that users will be unable to edit the message from other devices connected via Companion mode. If users wish to make changes while using the same account on two different devices, they will need to do so from the specific device on which the message was originally sent.