WhatsApp Tests Voicemail for Missed Calls — “Record Voice Message” Arrives in Beta 2.25.23.21

WhatsApp is testing a voicemail-style shortcut that lets callers leave an audio message immediately after a voice call goes unanswered. The option, spotted in the Android beta release 2.25.23.21, adds a “Record voice message” button to the missed-call UI so you can record and send a clip without leaving the call screen. WABetaInfoNextPit

What’s new

When a WhatsApp voice call isn’t picked up, some beta users now see three choices on the call screen: Cancel, Call again, and Record voice message. Tapping the new button starts a quick audio recording that is sent to the recipient in the same chat thread, appearing like any other voice note. The same shortcut can also appear attached to the missed-call bubble in the chat, making it easier to respond in context. WABetaInfoNokiamob | Welcome to the Nokia World!

Why it matters

WhatsApp already supports sending voice messages via the chat mic, but this shortcut removes friction by letting you leave a message from the call screen the moment someone misses your call — useful for urgent info (e.g., “I’m at the hospital,” or “Can you call me back about the meeting”). It effectively gives WhatsApp a built-in, context-aware voicemail option without reviving traditional carrier voicemail. 9to5MacLowyat.NET

Availability & rollout

The feature is currently limited to select Android beta testers on version 2.25.23.21. WhatsApp (Meta) has not announced an official public rollout timeline, so wider availability — and whether the feature will reach iOS or older Android builds — remains unconfirmed. Keep an eye on WABetaInfo for ongoing beta notes and screenshots. WABetaInfoX (formerly Twitter)

Practical notes & privacy

• Appearance: Sent audio appears as a normal voice message in chat; missed-call notifications remain visible alongside it. Nokiamob | Welcome to the Nokia World!
• Use case: Best for short, immediate explanations after an unanswered call. It doesn’t replace richer voicemail systems that store messages server-side for longer or route them via carriers. NextPit
• Privacy: Functionally, this behaves like any other WhatsApp voice note — encrypted in transit under WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption policy — but users should always be mindful when leaving sensitive information in audio form.

What to watch next

If the beta tests go well, expect a staged rollout to stable Android builds and eventually to iOS. Watch for follow-up changelogs from WABetaInfo and mainstream tech outlets that will report when Meta confirms a full release. WABetaInfo9to5Mac

Anchor: WABetaInfo — “WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.23.21: what’s new?”
Placement: Use where you state the feature was spotted in beta (e.g., “spotted by WABetaInfo in beta 2.25.23.21”).
Why: Primary report and screenshot source for the new “Record voice message” button. WABetaInfo

Anchor: WhatsApp Help Center — “About end-to-end encryption”
Placement: In the privacy/technical note where you say voice messages are end-to-end encrypted or when explaining privacy implications.
Why: Official explanation of WhatsApp’s encryption to reassure readers about message security. WhatsApp Help Center

Anchor: Business Standard — “WhatsApp to soon get voicemail-style feature for missed calls”
Placement: Use in the lead or “What’s new” section to show mainstream media coverage.
Why: Reputable national outlet that mirrors the WABetaInfo report and helps show wider reporting. Business Standard