It is common for any major software update that reaches a mass audience to bring with it new features and improvements compared to the previous version. And the best way for developers to measure the impact that these will have on end consumers is to test them with a limited group of users.
This is the function of the beta versions, versions prior to the official release of the software that are distributed for normal use by volunteers, who in turn share their positive or negative experiences, give suggestions or report incidents, all with the purpose of improving the quality of the final product.
WhatsApp is a constantly evolving software, so its beta versions are especially relevant. Meta, the company responsible for its development, has a beta version program that it makes freely available to users of the platforms on which it runs: iOS and Android on mobile phones as well as Windows and Mac on computers.
In the particular case of Android, using the beta version of WhatsApp means evaluating its new features without having to resort to versions not authorized by Meta such as WhatsApp Plus and which could put the user account at risk.
How to join the WhatsApp beta program on your Android
First of all, uninstall WhatsApp from your Android phone, assuming you are using the official version.
Then, go to the Google Play Store, search for the WhatsApp Beta application and download it. Then log in as usual.
If you cannot download the application because the number of participants established by WhatsApp for its beta version program has been completed, use this alternative method that consists of installing WhatsApp Beta from its APK file.
Enter the APKMirror repository website and use its search box to find the beta versions of WhatsApp in APK format available to date.
Choose the most recent one, download it and proceed to execute it. Before, make sure to enable the option to install files from sources other than Google Play Store on your phone.