WhatsApp is testing a new privacy feature that will let users control who can see their phone numbers in chats and calls. The update builds on the platform’s username feature, which allows people to communicate without sharing their phone numbers.
WhatsApp introduced usernames in June, although the feature has yet to reach all users. People can already reserve their preferred usernames ahead of the wider rollout. Now, the company is working on additional privacy controls for users who want to keep their numbers hidden.
According to WABetaInfo, the feature was spotted in WhatsApp beta version 2.26.45.1 for Android. It will offer four visibility options: Everyone, my contacts, my contacts except…, and nobody. These settings will allow users to choose who can see their phone numbers during calls and conversations.
However, the new controls will only work for accounts with a username. People who already know a user’s phone number will still be able to see it in chats and calls.
Currently, WhatsApp automatically hides phone numbers when someone starts a conversation through a username. With the upcoming change, the default visibility setting will be set to “Nobody.” This means users will not need to change anything to keep their numbers private.
Users who want to share their numbers can also adjust the setting. This could be useful for people who use WhatsApp for business or other purposes and want their contacts to see their numbers.
The new phone number privacy controls are still under development. They are not available to beta testers yet. WhatsApp is expected to introduce the feature through a future beta update before making it available to the public.
