WhatsApp groups have become an integral part of our daily communication. With over 2 billion users worldwide, WhatsApp is the most popular messaging app. WhatsApp groups connect people across geographies and help in seamless communication. The smooth functioning of a WhatsApp group depends on the roles and responsibilities of the admin. The admin has the authority to manage the group participants and settings.
Who is the admin of a WhatsApp group?
When a WhatsApp group is created, the person who creates the group automatically becomes the admin. Only an admin can add or remove participants to the group. The admin has the full authority to manage the group participants and alter group settings. The admin can appoint other admins but will have to share the admin rights.
How to identify the admin of a WhatsApp group?
There are a couple of ways to identify the admin of a WhatsApp group:
- The name of the admin appears at the top of the list of participants.
- The admin has a crown symbol next to the name in the group info.
- Only the admin can change group settings like group name, icon, description etc.
- When you click on the group name in the chat window, the View Info button will show the name of the admin.
What are the rights of a WhatsApp group admin?
The admin of a WhatsApp group enjoys the following rights:
Add participants
The admin can add any WhatsApp user as a participant to the group by their phone number. There is no limit on the number of participants that can be added. The added members will receive a notification that they have been added.
Remove participants
The admin can remove any participant from the group. The removed member will not be able to access the group chat or info. The admin can remove a participant without consent and does not need to provide any reason.
Make other members admin
The admin has the right to make any other participant an admin for the group. More than one admin can exist for a single WhatsApp group. However, the rights are shared between all admins.
Change group settings
The admin has the authority to alter the group settings and information like:
- Group name
- Group description
- Group icon
- Group privacy settings
Demote other admins
If the admin has appointed other members as admins, they can demote them anytime and revoke admin rights.
Delete messages for everyone
The admin can delete messages in a group chat for everyone. Even if the message was not sent by them, the admin can delete it from the chat for all participants.
Ban unwanted members
In case any participant is disrupting the group chat or sending unwanted messages, the admin has the right to ban that member from posting messages in the group for a specific duration of time.
Send messages privately
The WhatsApp group admin can privately send messages to any group participant even if they don’t have their mobile number. This helps in discreet one-to-one communication within the group.
Limitations of WhatsApp group admin rights
While the admin enjoys multiple rights, there are some limitations too:
- Cannot delete messages of other members for everyone
- Cannot access private chats between members
- Cannot add a user who has blocked them
- Cannot remove primary admin rights of the group creator
- Cannot access deleted messages or media
- Cannot change admin rights without consent
WhatsApp group admin best practices
To ensure a WhatsApp group’s smooth functioning, the admin should follow these best practices:
- Set group rules and pin them for new members
- Limit spam by members
- Moderate heated discussions
- Ban members only when required
- Respect member privacy
- Delegate admin rights when necessary
- Announce major changes in group info
- Be transparent in all moderation
- Take feedback from members
How members should treat the admin
WhatsApp group members should treat the admin with respect and abide by these etiquettes:
- Follow group rules set by admin
- Inform admin before adding new members
- Seek admin approval before posting certain types of content
- Refrain from spamming
- Respect admin decisions on members removal
- Provide constructive feedback to admins
- Cooperate with admin during conflicts
- Thank admin for managing group well
Conclusion
The WhatsApp group admin wields significant authority to manage the group and moderate conversations. However, these rights come with responsibilities. A group runs smoothly when the admin exercises rights judiciously and members cooperate. Mutual respect between admins and participants is key.