A new feature is coming to WhatsApp, giving users the option to display or hide their phone number. This feature is specifically for users using usernames. It is currently being tested.
WhatsApp is rapidly updating its platform with new features to provide a better user experience. Alongside this, the company is also incorporating robust privacy features. Reports indicate that WhatsApp is currently working on a new privacy setting that will allow users—specifically those with a username—to control who can see their phone number. Usernames help conceal phone numbers from individuals who do not have them saved by default. With this new privacy setting, users will be able to determine exactly who can view their number. Let’s take a look at the details regarding how this new feature will function.
WhatsApp is working on providing greater control over phone number visibility.
WABetaInfo, a website that tracks new WhatsApp features, has highlighted this development in a recent report. According to the report, WhatsApp is developing a new section where users can manage who is permitted to see their phone number. This section will be integrated into the ‘Privacy Settings’ screen—the same area where users currently manage settings for features like ‘Last Seen’ and profile photos. This setting was spotted in the WhatsApp Beta for Android version 2.26.45.1, available via the Google Play Store. Through this update, WhatsApp is introducing a privacy control for phone number visibility, enabling users with a username to decide who can view their phone number during calls and chats.
What do the new phone number privacy settings include?
The new privacy settings for controlling the visibility of your phone number offer users four options: ‘Everyone’, ‘My contacts’, ‘My contacts except…’, and ‘Nobody’. If a user has a username, WhatsApp sets this privacy option to ‘Nobody’ by default. However, those who already know the user’s phone number will continue to be able to see it.
Why might a user want to display their phone number even if they have a username?
Some users set a username so that others can easily find them on WhatsApp without needing to know their phone number. Nevertheless, some users may still wish to display their phone number. For instance, a user might want others to be able to find them via their username, while also allowing their contacts to see their phone number. Conversely, some users might prefer that certain individuals in their contact list do not see their phone number. The new settings make this possible by providing various visibility options.
What happens when a user changes these privacy settings?
When a user selects a different option, the app displays a dialog box. It informs the user that WhatsApp will reset their ‘exception list’. This means that individuals who were previously excluded by the user will now be able to see their phone number. To switch to a different privacy setting, the user must confirm that the visibility status of their phone number will change. This warning is provided to ensure that users understand the implications before selecting a new privacy setting.
How does this differ from the current default setting?
Currently, when users set a username, WhatsApp hides their phone number from people who do not have that number saved. In a future update, users will be able to change this by selecting a different privacy visibility option. Users can maintain the existing default setting by choosing the ‘Nobody’ option. In this way, the new setting will give users control over whether or not their phone number is visible, while those who prefer to keep the current setting will see no change.
When will the feature be available to everyone?
The new privacy setting related to phone numbers is currently under development for Android. As it is still in the development phase, the feature is not yet available. WhatsApp will make it accessible to all users in a future update. For now, WhatsApp has not specified when this feature will be released.