New feature shows how many people are typing in a WhatsApp group#
September 19, 2025
WhatsApp makes group chats even more informative! Now the chat list will display the number of participants who are simultaneously typing a message in a group chat, and not just the name of one person. This innovation, already available on Android, is now appearing in the iOS app!
Contents#
How it works#
In previous versions of the app, the typing indicator in the chat list was limited: it would only show the name of one participant, even if multiple people were typing at the same time. Now, with the latest update to WhatsApp for iOS beta 25.21.10.71, available in the TestFlight app, the chat list will show the total number of people typing in a group. For example, instead of one name, it will now show “2 people typing.”
Why it is needed#
Previously, to understand the level of activity in a group, users had to open the chat itself, where all the indicators of the typing participants were visible. However, opening the chat automatically marked all unread messages as read, even if the user just wanted to check the activity without reading them. Many found this inconvenient, as it often forced them to open the group chat unnecessarily, just to see if there was an active discussion.
With the new update, WhatsApp has solved this problem by replacing a single name with a dynamic string that shows the exact number of participants currently typing.
Benefits#
More accurate activity information: Users get a more complete picture of what is happening in a group chat without even opening it. Improved participation planning: It is easier to know whether to immediately join the conversation or wait for others to finish typing. This allows users to make more informed decisions about when and how to engage. Simplified interaction: Users can now get a clearer picture of what's going on in a group without leaving the chat list. Consistent experience across iOS and Android: Users on both platforms will now have the same functionality to track activity in group chats.
Limitations#
It's important to note that this improvement only applies to typing activity and does not apply to voice recording. When multiple people are recording a voice message at the same time, WhatsApp will still only show the name of the first participant in the list, as before.
Accessibility#
The feature to show the number of typing participants in a group chat is available to some beta testers who installed the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS from the TestFlight app, and will be rolling out to more people in the coming weeks.
Conclusion#
The updated typing indicator in group chats is a small but useful improvement that makes interactions on WhatsApp even more intuitive and convenient. It allows users to better understand the dynamics of group conversations and plan their participation more effectively, avoiding unnecessary opening of chats and marking messages as read. GREEN-API monitors all WhatsApp updates and offers solutions for automation of your business. Find out more about how to use WhatsApp for effective communication with customers by contacting us!