Getting Started with WhatsApp Messenger beta on TestFlight
To test WhatsApp Messenger beta for iOS on TestFlight, join the beta program using the public invite link. Once enrolled, you will gain access to the beta builds made available by WhatsApp. Note that WhatsApp may impose specific criteria for their beta program, such as requiring a certain device or operating system.
What To Test:
• Bug fixes
• Bug fixes
- 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. Here, tap Update if a new beta build is available.
- 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. Slots are limited and depend on testers leaving or program expansion. Follow our official WhatsApp channel to receive push notifications when the beta program is available.
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Information about Testing WhatsApp Messenger Beta
WhatsApp Messenger beta builds are available for testing for up to 90 days from the date they are uploaded by WhatsApp. 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, you can enable automatic updates to automatically install the latest beta build available.
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. 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 WhatsApp.
How to install WhatsApp Messenger Beta for iOS
- Install TestFlight on the iOS device you'll use for testing.
- Open the public invite link directly on your device.
- 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, you will be able to accept the invitation and install the appropriate build.
- 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. In 2024, WhatsApp launched an exclusive TestFlight group to test the iPad beta app. In such cases, users can still accept the invitation from any device and use WhatsApp Messenger on their iPhone, but they must have a compatible device linked to their Apple Account.
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Testing WhatsApp Messenger Builds from Previous Versions
Users can access and test previous builds at anytime. 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 lets you 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. It is still recommended 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 will notice an orange dot next to the app name. This dot indicates you're using a beta version.
When you accept a TestFlight invitation via a public link, your name and email address are not shared with WhatsApp. 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:
- Open TestFlight and navigate to the WhatsApp Messenger page.
- 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. We will manually monitor the beta program for available spots. Once the beta program becomes available, we will share an update on our WhatsApp channel. This means that users can receive a notification and then sign up when the beta program is available.
Sharing feedback
While testing a beta version of WhatsApp Messenger, you can provide feedback to the developer about any issues you encounter. You can also share 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. Users can choose to submit feedback or report bugs either through TestFlight or directly from the Settings section within WhatsApp Messenger.
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:
- Open TestFlight and navigate to the Information page for WhatsApp Messenger.
- Tap Stop Testing to remove yourself as a tester.
- This will end your participation in the beta program and revoke access to future beta builds of WhatsApp Messenger.
- Install the version of WhatsApp Messenger from the App Store.