However, to improve its working by fixing bugs and adding more and more features to it WhatsApp keeps on updating the app to make it more user friendly and also more and more convenient to use. You will get a WhatsApp update every 2 weeks usually. Therefore, it is important to keep your app up to date all the time to make it certain that you are using the most secure and stable version of it.
WhatsApp is an American public domain platform that is used for messaging, and Voice (VoIP) service which is owned by Facebook, Inc. WhatsApp has proven to be a great alternative to regular texting for a chat with family, friends, colleagues, etc. It is available not only for Android users but also for iPhone users.
The latest version of WhatsApp is ‘2.20.120’ which was updated on 09-April-2020 and the file name was ‘whatsapp-messenger.apk’.
Steps to update the latest version of WhatsApp in Android phones.
1. WhatsApp Group invitation system
This option is added to ensure the privacy of the user, this privacy option allows users to control who can add them to groups, the option includes “Everyone”, “My Contacts”, and “My Contacts Except”. In this case, you can have an option that everyone and anyone can add you to groups irrespective of the fact that they are in your contact list, or, you can select that all the friends you have in your contact list can add you to groups, or you have an additional control for who among your contacts can add you to a group. If an admin can’t add you to a group, they will have to send you private invite through individual chat.
2.Group video/voice call button to Android
WhatsApp has introduced group calling for its users allowing them to add more users to a call. Also, there is a call button on WhatsApp group chats this can be used to make group or voice calls by adding the participants all at once. All you need to do is tap on the call button, then tap on the names of people you want to participate in the call. Also, with the latest update WhatsApp extended the limit of video calls from 4 people to 8 people at once.
3.Fingerprint lock feature
this feature was again launched to ensure more safety and privacy of the user. To enable it on WhatsApp, go to Settings -> Account -> Privacy -> Fingerprint lock.
4. Reply Privately
This update allows users of a group to reply privately to a chat in their one-on-one chat. This feature can be used just by tapping and holding a message in a group chat and select More > Reply Privately.
5. Share WhatsApp Status on Facebook or Instagram
This feature allows the user to update a status that lasts for 24hrs to keep them more engaging and just updating their loved ones about their routine. All they need to do is go to the App and go to your Status option at the top. They can also share their status on other different platforms by tapping on “Share to Facebook Story” and this will let you share WhatsApp Status to Facebook Story. The same is also the case with Instagram.
Although usually, phones allow to set up automatic updates for apps to save us the time and effort but assuming that WhatsApp does not fit under this category or simply you choose not to use that option.
WhatsApp update Download steps you need to follow for your Android phones:
1. Tap on the ‘Google Play Store icon’ on your Android phone’s home screen, then
2. Tap the three horizontally stacked lines on your left, then
3. Tap ‘My apps & games’, and
4. Next to WhatsApp, tap the “Update” button to install the latest version.
Although, it should be noted that if WhatsApp is not an option available next to the “Update” button it is because you already have the latest version installed and their no new current update available.
WhatsApp is one of the largest and one of the most used platforms today, it has over 1.5 billion monthly active users, as per Statistics. It is the top messaging platform as it allows you to send messages and communicate over voice around the world with your loved ones. The best part is you can get in touch with your friends and family in Even group video chat or voice chat. WhatsApp keeps on bringing new WhatsApp updates on Android and iOS and adding new features to increase engagement scores and improve users’ experience.
Also note that updating this app will not cause you to lose any data, like messages or contacts.
He is an IT engineer and a tech geek having 13+ years of writing experience in the technology field. He is passionate about upcoming technology and loves to write on the technology niche.