WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging platforms in the world, with over 2 billion active users. As WhatsApp continues to grow and add new features, it relies on beta testers to test out these new features before they are rolled out to the general public. Becoming a beta tester for WhatsApp gives you early access to new features and the ability to provide feedback directly to the developers. If you’re interested in being on the cutting edge of WhatsApp and influencing the direction of the platform, becoming a WhatsApp beta tester is a great option. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to become a beta tester for WhatsApp.
Sign Up for the WhatsApp Beta Program
The first step to becoming a WhatsApp beta tester is to enroll in the official WhatsApp Beta Program. This program gives testers early access to the latest beta versions of WhatsApp before the wider release. Here’s how to join:
- Open WhatsApp on your phone
- Go to the Menu > Settings > Help
- Tap on “WhatsApp Beta Program” and hit “Join” to enroll
That’s it! Once you’ve joined the program, you’ll start receiving updates to new WhatsApp beta versions automatically. Make sure to keep your enrollment updated by opening WhatsApp settings and confirming you’re still registered for the beta program.
Install the WhatsApp Beta App
Once you’ve joined the beta program, you’ll need to install the beta version of WhatsApp to start testing new features. Here are the steps:
- On your phone, open the Google Play Store app for Android or the App Store for iOS
- Search for “WhatsApp” and look for the app called “WhatsApp Beta”
- Tap “Install” to download and install the beta version
- Open WhatsApp Beta and log in with your phone number
The beta version will replace your existing WhatsApp app – all your messages and data will still be there. Make sure to update the beta app when new versions are released to get the latest features.
Understand the Beta Testing Process
Now that you have access to WhatsApp Beta, here are some key things to understand about the beta testing process:
- New features may be buggy or unstable – that’s why your feedback is valuable
- Features you test may change significantly or be removed entirely before public release
- Don’t publicly share details about unpublished features you’re testing
- Regularly backup chats in case of data loss in buggy beta versions
- Keep the app updated to the latest beta version to test new features
- Be prepared to factory reset the app or your phone if you experience major issues
Beta testing requires a bit of patience and a troubleshooting mindset. Report any bugs you find so the developers can improve the features before release.
Test New Features Thoroughly
The key responsibility of a beta tester is to thoroughly test new features and provide useful feedback. Here are some tips for effective testing:
- Test all user flows – try every option and pathway through a new feature
- Check how new features work with existing functionality
- Try absurd/extreme inputs to check for bugs and crashes
- Search for UI issues like text cutoffs or odd layouts
- Pay attention to error messaging – is it clear what went wrong?
- Check resource usage – does it drain battery or mobile data quickly?
- Consider usability – are new features logical and easy to use?
Testing rigorously improves the quality of updates for the millions of WhatsApp users worldwide.
Report Bugs and Issues
When you encounter a bug during beta testing, you’ll need to report it to the WhatsApp team. Here are some tips for effective bug reporting:
- Be detailed – describe the exact steps to reproduce the bug
- Include screenshots and videos to illustrate the issue
- Explain the behavior you expected to see vs the actual result
- Note your smartphone model, Android/iOS version and WhatsApp build
- Check if bugs are already reported in WhatsApp beta forums
- Track whether bugs have been fixed in later beta versions
Thorough bug reports are crucial for the team to diagnose issues before public release. Use in-app feedback tools or the official WhatsApp beta forums to submit your findings.
Provide User Feedback
In addition to bug reporting, the WhatsApp team wants to hear your subjective feedback on the user experience. Here are some tips for giving useful user feedback:
- Would you use this feature in day-to-day messaging? Why or why not?
- Does the feature seem intrusive or annoying in any way?
- How could the feature be improved or changed to work better?
- Does the feature seem useful for certain messaging scenarios?
- Compare new features to existing alternatives
- Consider feedback from friends/family you share beta access with
Opinions from real-world beta testers help guide priorities and design decisions at WhatsApp.
Share Feedback via Official Channels
To make sure your beta feedback reaches the WhatsApp team, use these official channels:
- In-app feedback tool – locate it in WhatsApp beta settings
- WhatsApp beta Twitter account – tweet bug reports and suggestions
- WhatsApp beta forums – search and post in the community
- WhatsApp beta subreddit – join the discussion on Reddit
- WhatsApp beta email alias – send thorough feedback to [email protected]
Avoid sharing beta details on personal social media or other public channels. Use the official channels so your feedback contributes to improving WhatsApp.
Best Practices for Beta Testers
Here are some top best practices to be an effective WhatsApp beta tester:
- Install updates as soon as they become available
- Spend at least 30-60 minutes exploring each new feature
- Try new features in actual messaging scenarios, not just solo testing
- Check high priority functionality like calls, groups, and media sharing
- Reset the app to factory defaults between major beta versions
- Create detailed bug reports with steps to reproduce issues
- Give constructive subjective feedback on the user experience
- Follow WhatsApp beta developer accounts for news and updates
Following these tips will help you maximize the value of your beta testing for improving WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about becoming a WhatsApp beta tester:
How do I stop being a beta tester?
You can leave the program at any time by opening WhatsApp settings, going to the Beta section, and hitting “Leave”. This will unenroll you from receiving new beta updates.
Can I revert to the stable version of WhatsApp?
Yes, simply uninstall WhatsApp Beta from your phone and install the main WhatsApp app from the app store. Your messages will still be there.
Am I obligated to give feedback as a beta tester?
Feedback is optional but highly encouraged. The more testers who give feedback, the better WhatsApp can refine new features.
What types of new features might I see as a beta tester?
New messaging tools, interface changes, performance upgrades, accessibility features, tweaks to groups and calls, and more. The sky’s the limit!
Can I share screenshots of new features externally?
You should avoid sharing beta details publicly per the terms you agree to. Keep your testing confidential within WhatsApp’s official channels.
Can I revert to an older beta if a new one has bugs?
Unfortunately rollbacks to older betas are not possible. You’ll have to wait for a new release that addresses any serious bugs.
Do I need technical skills to be a beta tester?
Not at all! Regular WhatsApp users with good testing instincts and communication skills make the best beta testers.
Conclusion
Becoming a beta tester allows you to preview WhatsApp’s future features and directly influence the app’s development with your valued feedback. Follow the steps outlined in this guide to join the program, thoroughly test new features, report bugs effectively, and share your user experience opinions through official channels. With your help, WhatsApp can continue improving and adding new capabilities to meet the needs of its over 2 billion users worldwide.