How to use the new ‘mark as read’ feature in WhatsApp

From forward labels to group-video calling, Facebook-owned instant messaging platform WhatsApp has received several new features in the past few weeks. The company recently rolled out another feature called 'mark as read'. The feature allows WhatsApp users to acknowledge the messages without actually opening the app. So far, users needed to open the app to mark a message as 'read'. Now users can do the same directly from the notification panel without even needing to see the message.

Wondering how the new 'mark as read' feature works? Here are the steps that need to be followed:

First things first:
As of now, this feature is only available in the beta version of the app and users need to enroll in the WhatsApp beta programme to use it. The Android WhatsApp Beta programme aims to help users test the upcoming features of the app.

Now coming to the 'mark as read' feature:
1. Open the notification panel of your phone by swiping it from the top
2. Expand the WhatsApp notification
4. Here, you’ll see the option ‘mark as read’
4. Tap the option to 'mark as read'
5. The feature also allows WhatsApp users to mark all messages in the notification panel as 'read' at the same time

If wondering how to become WhatsApp beta member? Here's how to join
1. Open Google Play Store and search WhatsApp
2. Now, tap on the WhatsApp option
3. Scroll down until you see the option ‘Become a beta tester’
4. Tap on ‘I’m in’ button to enroll

Now, you will start receiving the latest beta update for WhatsApp.