WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.23.5: what's new?
WhatsApp has released a new Android update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.25.23.5.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to choose who can access the group invite link, and it's available to some beta testers!
| Common questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature? | Group invite link and QR code |
| Status? | Rolling out |
| Compatibility? | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.23.5 has been designated as a compatible update, but some users may get the same feature by installing certain previous updates. |
| I've installed this update but I don't have this feature. Why? | This feature is available to some beta testers, and it is rolling out to more users over the coming weeks. |
| Thanks: | UnluckyTester and shw_9876, for testing and reporting. |
| Previous news? | WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.22.10.72: what's new? WhatsApp is working on a feature that allows users to add verified Instagram profile links! |
GROUP INVITE LINK AND QR CODE
In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.9.2 update, we announced that a feature to allow group members to access the group invite link was under development. This feature will give group admins more control, allowing them to decide whether members can view and share the invite link. Once available, the option will be located within the admin tools section of the group settings, making it easier for admins to manage who can access and share the group invite link. It appears that WhatsApp is now testing this feature with the public, as some beta testers can finally manage the visibility of the group invite link. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.23.5 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to choose who can access the group invite link!
As you can see from the attached screenshot, some beta testers can now explore a new setting that lets admins choose who can view the group invite link, including the QR code. Previously, only group admins had access to the invite link, and members who wanted to invite someone had to manually request the link from an admin. This process could create delays and increase the admin's workload, especially in large community group chats. Now, with this new feature, group admins can choose to make the invite link visible to all members. This means that any member, even if they are not an admin, can access and share the invite link if the admin has enabled this option.
In addition to the link itself, the QR code associated with the invite can also be made visible to all group members, depending on the same setting. This gives admins a quick and flexible way to open up group access when needed. For example, during an event or a campaign where rapid group growth is important. It's important to note that this option is turned off by default, so only admins can see and share the link unless they decide otherwise. This ensures that the group remains private and secure unless the admins explicitly allow broader access within the conversation.
The new setting can be particularly useful in groups formed around public or semi-public purposes, such as study groups, volunteer coordination, or fan communities. For example, if a teacher creates a group for a course, enabling this option allows students to easily invite classmates without needing to ask the teacher each time. This convenience may encourage participation while still leaving admins in full control since they decide whether or not to share the invite link with all members, maintaining oversight over who can access and distribute it.
Admins can disable this option at any time through the group settings. When they choose to turn it off, WhatsApp will display a warning that the group invite link will be reset automatically. This will prevent previously shared links from being used by people who may have received them while the option was enabled. Resetting the link ensures that only admins retain control over who can join the group going forward, as the previous link will no longer be valid and a new one will be generated exclusively for admin use.
A feature to choose who can access the group invite link is available to some beta testers who install the latest updates of WhatsApp beta for Android from the Google Play Store, and it is rolling out to even more people over the coming weeks.
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