WhatsApp to wipe 'zombie group chats' from phones - here's the one thing you need to do

WhatsApp is reportedly set to start deleting so-called 'zombie' group chats that have become dormant.

The messaging platform is said to be setting an expiration date on chats which, if reached, would reportedly see them wiped from a user's device.

According to a recent leak, the move is said to be aimed at creating more storage space - given old and large group chats take up a huge amount of storage space.

However, it is likely the group chats will only be removed if the user has specific setting turned on in the app.

It's understood an update to the app could allow users to set their own expiration date on chats.

If a date has been set - it's believed the chat will only be removed from that individual's phone, while others in the group are still given access to the group messages.

If a date has been set - it's believed the chat will only be removed from that individual's phone (Getty Images)

It's believed planned changes to WhatsApp have been spotted by a savvy user via the Google Play Beta Program.

The Google platform is said to show upcoming changes which are in the works, and not yet live.

The leak also reportedly unearthed an automatic WhatsApp prompt to 'delete now', suggesting the choice to delete might not always be down to a user manually changing their settings.

A number of changes to the app have recently been reported - including a new 'companion mode' feature.

It would reportedly allow users more than one smartphone or other device to log in to one account to access their chats, send messages and make calls simultaneously from different devices.

It's believed planned changes to WhatsApp have been spotted by a savvy user via the Google Play Beta Program (NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Screenshots shared on the WABetaInfo revealed WhatsApp users will be able to link the secondary device by scanning a QR code.

The leak says that you will be able to link up to four devices to one account.

The first device a WhatsApp account is signed into with will remain the primary device, and will be needed to add a new companion device.

Users will only be able to change the phone number associated with their account from the primary device.

The feature is available in WhatsApp version 2.23.8.2, currently undergoing beta testing, but its existence indicates it will be rolled out on the Android app soon.