Guide to Creating and Managing Your Own WhatsApp Group
With over two billion users accessing WhatsApp every day for messaging and video calls, sharing information becomes substantially easier through WhatsApp groups than through individual chats.
Steps to Form a WhatsApp Group
Creating a WhatsApp group is a straightforward task if you have an active WhatsApp account and access to the app on your device. The instructions below are applicable across various operating systems; I will be demonstrating on a Google Pixel 7a running Android 15.
To set up a WhatsApp group, launch the app on your device, then select New Chat -> New Group.
Choose the contacts you want to include in your group. After selecting at least one contact, proceed to the next screen by tapping the right arrow (→).
Note: You can also invite members by sending them a link or a QR code after establishing the group.
Configure your group settings by completing the following:
- Input a group name that can be up to 100 characters long.
- Choose a group icon that will be visible to everyone involved.
- Decide if you want to enable disappearing messages.
Furthermore, you can select Group Permissions to adjust the settings, determining what other group members can change and whether new members need admin approval to join.
Inviting People to Your WhatsApp Group
Once your WhatsApp group is set up, you can extend invitations to new members whenever necessary, even conducting searches for users on WhatsApp.
From the Chats screen, tap the group in question and select Add Members.
Scroll down to the bottom of the Add Members section, then choose Invite via Link.
You have several options to proceed:
- Share the link through WhatsApp.
- Copy the link for use in a different messaging application.
- Utilize a sharing option available on your device.
- Show a QR code for others to scan and join.
Managing WhatsApp Group Admins
Depending on your group’s size and purpose, it might be beneficial to appoint additional admins to help oversee member admissions and group discussions. WhatsApp allows for an unlimited number of group admins, and any admin can promote a member to admin status.
To organize your admins, select your group from the Chats screen, tap the three vertical dots (More Options), and select Group Info.
Locate the group member you want to promote to admin, then select Make group admin from the dropdown options.
Removing a Member from a WhatsApp Group
As an admin, you may occasionally need to remove a member from your WhatsApp group. Fortunately, this process is quite simple and can be performed by any group administrator.
Start by pressing and holding your selected group from the Chats screen, then tap the three vertical dots (More Options) and choose Group Info.
Select the member you want to exclude and tap Remove -> OK.
Additional WhatsApp Group Settings
Further customization options are available for your WhatsApp group that enhance user privacy and functionality. To access these settings, tap on the three vertical dots (More Options) and select Group Info before making your desired adjustments.
- Notifications: Configure your notification sound, vibration preferences, and whether or not to mute notifications.
- Media Visibility: Decide if you’d like media downloaded from your group to appear in your device’s gallery (excluding profile images).
- Disappearing Messages: Set the duration for when messages disappear, with options for 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days.
- Chat Lock: Conceal and protect the group from appearing on your device’s main interface.
Exiting or Deleting WhatsApp Groups
You can leave a group you joined or remove a group you created anytime. To exit, go to the three vertical dots (More Options) and select Exit group.
A confirmation message will pop up asking if you’re certain. Click on Exit.
If your goal is to delete a group instead, you must first dismiss all members. Next, follow the same path through the three vertical dots (More Options) and select Exit Group.
Afterward, choose Delete Group and confirm your decision in the pop-up that appears.
Enhancing Interaction Through WhatsApp
WhatsApp groups facilitate connectivity and collaboration among individuals with shared interests, allowing for seamless communication through text, images, videos, sticker packs, and even collective video calls.
Image credit: Pexels. All screenshots are credited to Megan Glosson.
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