I like to think I’m a good texter. While all notifications are silenced by default, I generally respond in a timely manner and go well beyond the bare minimum in my replies. 

If I actually get around to finishing the message, that is. On too many occasions recently, I’ve started typing out a reply on WhatsApp, then been distracted and totally forgotten about it. 

The problem? That notification has now disappeared from the top of the screen, meaning I won’t see my half-written message unless I open the app manually and select that conversation. 

To make matters worse, I have read receipts turned on (even though they’re easy to switch off), so the other person can see that I’ve read their message and seemingly decided not to reply. That’s not the case, I promise! 

Luckily, WhatsApp has a fix on the way. Known as ‘Message Drafts’, it shows the message you’ve been typing out as a draft on the home screen, allowing you to quickly see that it needs your attention. That conversation is then moved to the top of your list of chats, meaning you can’t miss it.

As someone who opens WhatsApp multiple times per day, this is a perfect solution. Rather than forgetting about a message and having to apologise when I finally reply days later, I’ll be reminded of my unfinished message within a couple of hours. 

It’s a small change, but one that’ll make a big difference to my messaging experience. WhatsApp owner Meta hasn’t revealed exactly when Message Drafts will be available on Android or iPhone, but it shouldn’t be long. For me, it can’t come soon enough. 

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