WhatsApp rolls out poll deadlines, @all mentions and other group chat upgrades
WhatsApp is rolling out new features aimed at making group conversations easier to manage. The latest update introduces poll deadlines, anonymous voting, editable poll questions, @all mentions and quicker ways to create spin-off group chats, addressing clutter users face in groups. The additions build on a series of group-focused improvements introduced earlier this year, including group message history, member tags and event reminders.
WhatsApp polls get smarter, @all mentions arrive
Polls are receiving three upgrades. Users can now set a closing time so voting automatically ends once the deadline is reached, preventing late votes from changing the result. WhatsApp is also adding the option to hide voters’ names, allowing members to vote without revealing their choices to the group.
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Another useful addition is the ability to edit poll questions for up to 15 minutes after creating them. This lets users fix typos or clarify questions without having to delete and recreate the poll. Poll deadlines can help avoid confusion when planning events, anonymous voting may encourage more honest participation, and editable polls reduce unnecessary duplicate messages.
WhatsApp is also introducing @all mentions, allowing users to notify every member in a group with a single tag instead of mentioning people individually. The feature works even if members have muted the group, although users can turn off @all notifications in the app’s notification settings. In groups with more than 32 members, only admins can use the feature.
The platform is also making it easier to create spin-off conversations. Users can now start a new group from an existing one with a single tap, eliminating the need to manually add participants again. The feature is designed for situations where a smaller group needs to discuss a specific topic without interrupting the main conversation.
The updates also bring WhatsApp closer to collaboration features already available on platforms such as Slack, Microsoft Teams and Discord, while remaining focused on consumer messaging. For users juggling large family, school or office groups, these additions should make discussions more organised and reduce the need to sift through long message threads to reach a decision.
