WhatsApp is used by an estimated 1.5billion people – it is widely-considered to be the most popular messaging service in the world.
The client is renowned for its simple interface and easy-to-use functionality.
And the Facebook-owned company regularly issues updates that add a ton of new features.
The most recent addition to WhatsApp changes how group chats operate.
Group administrators can now select an option so only other admins can send messages in a particular messaging thread.
While non-admins in a group will still be able to see the messages that are delivered, they will not be able to respond.
However users can opt to message an admin directly as an alternative.
Although the circumstances for such a feature appear niche, it will surely prove useful for scores of WhatsApp lovers.
To enable the new addition users should head to “group info”, the press “group settings”.
A tab dubbed “send messages” should be tapped next – users then have the option of selecting whether “all participants” can participate in the conversation or “only admins”.
It is worth noting you will need to be an administrator in a group chat to be able to access the feature.
The latest WhatsApp update comes ahead of a big change in November that will dramatically affect Android users of the app.
Currently Google Drive is used for chat backups for smartphones running the tech behemoth’s operating system.
Google Drive is a service offered by the tech giant that harnesses the power of the cloud to store files.
The service gives users 15GB of free storage, but they can opt for more if they pay a monthly fee.
Previously WhatsApp backups deducted from Google Drive storage space.
However, from November 12, 2018, this will no longer be the case thanks to a new deal struck between WhatsApp and Google.
In a statement, the messaging client said: “Starting November 12, 2018, WhatsApp backups will no longer count towards the Google Drive storage quota.”
However, WhatsApp warned users they should manually back up all of their chats before the big date or risk losing some of their precious files.
The company went on: “Furthermore, WhatsApp backups that haven’t been updated in more than one year will be automatically removed from Google Drive storage.
“To avoid the loss of any backups, we recommend you manually back up your WhatsApp data before November 12, 2018.”
Users wishing to back up their device manually should load up WhatsApp and press the icon in the top right-hand corner of the screen.
WhatsApp fans should then press “settings” and “chats”.
Users should then press “chat backup” where they will be given the option to manually secure their files.