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Getting Started with WhatsApp Messenger beta on TestFlight

To test beta versions of WhatsApp Messenger for iOS via TestFlight, join the beta program using the public invite link and ensure you have a compatible device for testing. Once enrolled, you'll gain access to the beta builds made available by the WhatsApp team. It's worth noting that the WhatsApp development team may impose specific criteria for their beta program, such as requiring a certain device or operating system.

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  • If you are a tester, you can update to the latest beta version of WhatsApp Messenger for iOS by opening TestFlight on your iPhone and iPad, and tap Update if a new beta build is available. This ensures you are always testing the most up-to-date version with the latest features and fixes.
  • If you are not a tester and the beta program is full, you will need to wait until the beta program reopens for new participants. Beta testing slots are limited and depend on testers leaving or program expansion. Follow our official WhatsApp channel to receive push notifications when the beta program reopens.

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Information about Testing WhatsApp Messenger Beta

Each beta build of WhatsApp Messenger is available for testing for up to 90 days from the date it is uploaded by the development team. You can view the remaining testing period under the app name in TestFlight. TestFlight will notify you whenever a new build is available and provide instructions on what aspects of WhatsApp Messenger might be needed to test. Alternatively, if you're using an updated version of TestFlight, you can enable automatic updates to ensure the latest beta builds are installed automatically. Typically, you will no longer be able to open the beta app once the beta build expires. However, users need not worry, as a new beta build for WhatsApp Messenger is often uploaded before the current one expires.

Installing WhatsApp Messenger Beta

To get started, install TestFlight on the device you'll use for testing. Then, follow the public invite link to install the beta version of WhatsApp Messenger. The invitation will include a description of the beta version, along with screenshots, the app category, and any criteria you must meet to join the beta program. You can install the WhatsApp Messenger beta on up to 30 devices. If you don't meet the tester criteria, the invitation will notify you of any required devices or operating systems. You can tap Learn More on the invitation to view these requirements. If you have a compatible device, install TestFlight on it and accept the beta invitation. You can also accept the invitation on a non-preferred device, as long as you have another device linked to TestFlight that meets the criteria set by the WhatsApp development team.

Installing the WhatsApp Messenger Beta on iOS using Public Invite Link

  1. Install TestFlight on the iOS device you'll use for testing.
  2. Open the public invite link directly on your device.
  3. If you're a new tester for WhatsApp Messenger, tap Accept, then tap Install to download the app to your device. If a compatible build is available for your device, an Install button will appear, allowing you to accept the invitation and install the appropriate build.
  4. If you're a returning tester, simply tap Update or Open to access the latest beta build of WhatsApp Messenger.
Note: WhatsApp may occasionally set specific conditions that must be met to accept invitations. For example, a condition might require you to have an iPad, as previously announced in an article where we discussed about an exclusive TestFlight group to test the iPad beta app. In such cases, users can still accept the invitation from any device and use on their iPhone, provided they have an iPad linked to their Apple Account.
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Testing WhatsApp Messenger Builds from Previous Versions

When viewing WhatsApp Messenger in TestFlight, the latest available build will be displayed by default. However, you can still access and test other builds that are available to you. This feature can be particularly useful if the most recent beta version has issues that affect the functionality of the app. For example, if the application crashes upon opening or a bug prevents you from sending messages, downgrading to a previous build ensures you can continue using WhatsApp Messenger while the development team addresses the issue. Note that if you already have the App Store version of WhatsApp Messenger installed, the beta version will replace it. Before the beta version replaces the App Store version, TestFlight will notify you that you may lose data once the beta is installed. However, this does not apply to WhatsApp Messenger, as updates are always backward compatible. Still, we recommend backing up your chat history before installing the beta for the first time or when updating to a new beta version as a precautionary measure. After installing the beta version, you'll notice an orange dot next to the app name, indicating it's a beta version.
When you accept a TestFlight invitation via a public link, your name and email address are not shared with the WhatsApp development team. However, they can access certain details, such as the number of sessions, crashes, the date you installed the app, and the latest version you installed.

TestFlight for iOS:

  1. Open TestFlight and navigate to the WhatsApp Messenger page.
  2. Tap Previous Builds, select the build you want to test, and then tap Install. The selected build will replace the current version installed on your device.
Note: If the beta program is full, users will need to wait for someone to leave the program, or for WhatsApp to remove inactive testers, freeing up space. We will manually monitor the beta program for available spots and announce when new openings become available. These updates will be shared on our WhatsApp channel, so users will receive a notification and can then sign up for the beta program.

Sharing feedback

While testing a beta version of WhatsApp Messenger, you can provide feedback to the developer about any issues you encounter or offer suggestions for improvements based on the "What to Test" content. Feedback submitted through TestFlight is also shared with Apple as part of the TestFlight service. Providing feedback is highly important, as it helps WhatsApp improve the product by incorporating user suggestions. Users can choose to submit feedback or report bugs either through TestFlight or directly from the Settings section within WhatsApp Messenger, making it convenient to share insights and highlight issues.

Opting Out from Testing WhatsApp Messenger Beta

If you previously joined the beta program but you no longer wish to test WhatsApp Messenger, follow these steps:
  1. Open TestFlight and navigate to the Information page for WhatsApp Messenger.
  2. Tap Stop Testing to remove yourself as a tester.
  3. This will end your participation in the beta program and revoke access to future beta builds of WhatsApp Messenger.
  4. Install the version of WhatsApp Messenger from the App Store.