WhatsApp: You can now retrieve chat histories of blocked contacts
What's the story
WhatsApp is testing yet another new feature and this one pertains to blocking. First spotted by WABetaInfo in WhatsApp's Android beta version 2.18.246, the new feature works via a revamped 'Report' button and allows users to retrieve chat histories of contacts and groups they blocked. While the feature is currently available in beta, a public roll out is expected fairly soon. Here's more.
Information
Here's how you can become a beta tester
You can become a WhatsApp beta tester on Android by signing up for it using your PC web browser, or via your smartphone.
How to
How to access the redesigned report feature
The redesigned report feature works like a catch-all button for addressing nuisance on WhatsApp. Using it, users can report, block, and retain the chat histories of both individuals and groups. On individual chats, it can be accessed by tapping on the triple dot menu, then 'View Contact', and scrolling down. You'll be able to access the reporting feature in a similar way in groups.
Reporting
The reporting functionality spotted in the beta
On hitting report button, a new alert in the form of individual check-boxes, will separately allow a user to block a contact and delete chat histories. This way, users can choose to retain chat histories of blocked contacts if they so wish. Notably, only chats from senders who are not in contacts can be blocked, and only saved contacts' individual conversations can be reported.