WhatsApp is testing a change that increases the number of messages you can pin at the top of a chat from three to four, according to reporting from SammyFans and ARY News drawing on WABetaInfo findings. The change is available now to some Android beta testers and applies to both individual and group conversations.
What the feature does and how to use it
WhatsApp’s pinned messages appear in a banner at the top of a chat so important information doesn’t get buried. The new test adds a fourth slot to that banner. Both sources describe the basic interaction:
- Tap and hold a message, choose the Pin option, and select how long you want the message to stay pinned.
- The fourth pinned message will appear together with the other pinned messages in the top-of-chat banner; users can tap the pinned-message bar to see all pinned messages.
- The feature works in individual chats and group chats.
Current availability and rollout
SammyFans reports the feature appears in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.35.8 and is available to some testers through the Google Play Store. ARY News similarly says the capability is rolling out slowly to Android beta users and that there is no official date for a public release or for iOS and desktop ports.
Group behaviour and notifications
Both sources note the increase is particularly useful in busy group chats where important messages can quickly be buried. ARY News adds that group admins retain control over who can pin messages through existing group settings. SammyFans also reports WhatsApp recently added notifications for pinned messages, though those notifications will not appear if the chat is muted.
Where sources agree and what they don’t confirm
- Agreement: Both sources report the feature adds a fourth pinned-message slot, works in individual and group chats, is in Android beta testing, and is being rolled out gradually to testers.
- Not confirmed: Neither source supplies an official WhatsApp statement, a firm public release date for stable builds, nor details about when iOS or desktop clients will receive the feature.
Practical checklist: Should you try the beta and how to use pinned messages effectively
- If you want early access, enroll in WhatsApp’s Android beta via the Google Play Store where available and update to at least version 2.26.35.8 if shown in your update history. (SammyFans identified that beta build; official channels may use different build numbers.)
- Use pinned messages for fixed, referenceable items: event details, meeting links, addresses, phone numbers or short rules. Avoid pinning long threads that are hard to scan.
- For groups: review group settings — keep pin privileges limited to admins if you want to prevent pin clutter.
- Remember muted chats: if you mute a chat you will not see pinned-message notifications, per reporting from SammyFans.
- If pinned messages don’t appear for you yet, the rollout may be staged — wait for subsequent beta updates or the stable release.
Value and implications for users
The increase from three to four pinned messages is a small UI change but a practical one for active groups and users who use WhatsApp as an operational or planning tool. Adding an extra slot reduces the chance that a single pinned item displaces other important information. However, without an official announcement or cross-platform availability, the feature remains limited to early testers for now.
“WhatsApp is working on a new feature that will let users pin up to four messages in chats and groups,” SammyFans reported.
Expect wider availability only after WhatsApp confirms the change or completes a broader rollout from beta channels.