All WhatsApp users urged not to 'miss out' as 12 major changes confirmed

If you love chatting on WhatsApp, you might want to check out some new features that have recently been announced by the Meta-owned platform. says a number of bonus upgrades have recently become available, and it's now reminding users about the changes so they don't "miss out".

As WhatsApp explained, "With new features and updates being added all the time, it can be easy to miss out on useful and exciting ways you can use WhatsApp."

This popular service is constantly being fine-tuned, so it's easy to lose track of what's new and what has just been added.

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So, if you love sending messages, recording voice notes or making calls, here is everything you need to know about the changes.

• YOUR CHATS

‘Online’ indicator in group chats: To help you know if people are around to chat, you can now see how many people are ‘Online’ in real-time, right under the group name.

Highlight notifications in groups: Need an easy way to prioritise your group chat notifications? Use the new ‘Notify for’ setting and select ‘Highlights’ to limit notifications for @mentions, replies, and messages from saved contacts or ‘All’ to receive all notifications.

Events updates: In addition to creating events in groups, you can now create an event in a 1:1 conversation. WhatsApp says it has also added the ability to RSVP as ‘maybe,’ invite a plus one, add an end date and time for longer events, and pin the event in a chat.

Tappable reactions: Sometimes you just want to +1 to what someone else said. Now, you can quickly view everyone else’s reactions and tap the one you want to send.

Document scanning on iPhone: Scan and send documents directly from WhatsApp on . Simply select ‘Scan document’ from the attachment tray and follow the steps to scan, crop, and save the document.

Default App for iPhone: With the latest iOS update, you can now also set WhatsApp as your iPhone's default messaging and calling app. To make the switch, simply go to Settings > Default and select WhatsApp.

• CALLING CHANGES

Pinch to zoom in video calls: iPhone users can now pinch to zoom in on a video while on a video call to get a closer look at your own or peer video.

Add to call from a chat: Add someone to an ongoing 1:1 call directly from a chat thread by tapping the call icon on the top and selecting ‘Add to call’.

Enjoy smoother video calls: WhatsApp reckons it has upgraded its to make your video calls more reliable and higher quality. Its optimised routing system finds the best connection path, reducing dropped calls and video freezing. And its improved bandwidth detection quickly upgrades your video to HD quality for a more enjoyable experience.

• OTHER UPDATES

Video notes for Channels: Similar to chats, Channel admins can now instantly record and share short videos (60 seconds or less) with followers.

Voice message transcripts on Channels: You can now get a written summary of voice message updates from channels when you’re on the go and can’t listen to them.

QR codes: As a channel admin, you can now share a unique QR code that links directly to your channel, making it easy to share with others and grow their audience.