WhatsApp is introducing a major update to its contact management system, aimed at solving a long-standing issue for its users. Until now, adding and managing contacts on WhatsApp could only be done via mobile devices, requiring users to manually save phone numbers into their phone’s contact list or use QR codes. The new feature allows users to manage contacts from any device, starting with WhatsApp Web and Windows platforms, creating a more seamless experience for users across multiple devices.
Device-Independent Contact Management
This update, which will be gradually rolled out in the coming weeks, brings an entirely new approach to contact management. Users can now add, save, and manage contacts directly within WhatsApp, without needing to save them to their device’s general contact list. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who wish to keep their WhatsApp contacts separate from their personal contacts or who manage multiple WhatsApp accounts for different purposes, such as business and personal use.
The update aims to streamline contact management for users working across various devices, such as desktops and laptops, removing the need to switch back to their mobile phones just to add new contacts.
WhatsApp-Specific Contacts
An additional layer of flexibility comes with the ability to store contacts exclusively within WhatsApp. These WhatsApp-specific contacts will automatically sync and be restored when users switch to a new device or lose their phone, enhancing convenience, particularly in situations like upgrading devices or recovering lost accounts. This feature ensures continuity without requiring users to resave their entire contact list.
The company explained that this feature is especially helpful for users who share their phones with others or those who juggle multiple WhatsApp accounts on the same device. For example, business users can now keep their work contacts separate from personal ones within WhatsApp itself, reducing the clutter in their main contact list.
Upcoming Username System: A Major Privacy Boost
WhatsApp has also hinted at a future update that could revolutionise how users connect on the platform: a username-based system. Currently, WhatsApp requires users to share their phone numbers to connect, which can raise privacy concerns. The planned update will allow users to connect via usernames instead of phone numbers, meaning that personal numbers will no longer need to be shared to communicate.
This change would not only enhance privacy but also offer a more convenient and secure way to manage professional and social interactions, keeping personal contact details confidential. Although WhatsApp has not announced a specific release date for the username system, these recent updates are laying the groundwork for its implementation.
Enhanced Security for Users
While WhatsApp has highlighted the importance of user security in this update, the company did not provide detailed specifics about the security protocols involved in the new features. However, WhatsApp’s existing encryption and privacy safeguards, such as end-to-end encryption for messages and calls, are likely to extend to these new contact management tools. This ensures that user information remains protected across devices.
Conclusion
The new Manage Contacts feature is a step towards making WhatsApp more versatile and user-friendly, particularly for those managing contacts across multiple platforms. By eliminating the need for phone numbers to add contacts and hinting at a future username system, WhatsApp is pushing forward with features that promise to enhance both privacy and convenience for its global user base.
The update is expected to roll out over the coming weeks, initially for WhatsApp Web and Windows users, with support for other linked devices to follow. This feature marks a significant shift in WhatsApp’s approach to contact management and suggests a future where privacy and flexibility are at the core of the platform’s development strategy.