WhatsApp is rolling out a new privacy feature that allows users to hide their phone number after widely implementing usernames on the platform. Spotted in the latest Android beta, this update is designed to significantly enhance user privacy during messaging interactions.
According to reports from WABetaInfo, configuring a username means the platform automatically hides your phone number from individuals who do not already have you saved in their contacts list. This addition is integrated directly into the privacy settings page, where users already manage traditional controls like their profile picture and last seen status.
Image: WABetaInfo
Following familiar patterns across the application, the messaging service will provide four visibility options for managing phone number exposure:
- Everyone
- My contacts
- My contacts except
- Nobody
By default, the functionality will arrive pre-configured on the Nobody setting. This ensures that your phone number is exclusively visible to people who already possess it saved within their personal contact directory.
At present, this privacy enhancement remains restricted to select testers participating in the beta channel. However, developers are expected to roll out the capability to the public release in the near future.
This progressive rollout mirrors previous platform additions, such as features enabling the transmission of photos in original quality, editing images to fit neatly into Status updates, and expanding comprehensive profile customization options. As messaging security continues to evolve, these granular controls give individuals greater autonomy over their personal contact data while communicating globally.
WhatsApp Introduces Usernames And Phone Number Privacy
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