WhatsApp is set to introduce new ways for users to add and manage contacts, with a long-term goal of enabling the use of usernames instead of phone numbers. In a blog post, the company detailed plans to first allow contact management through its web and Windows applications, with future expansion to other linked devices. This update is part of an effort to offer users more flexibility in managing their contact lists beyond their primary phones.
Currently, WhatsApp users can only update their contact lists on the phone where their account is registered, limiting multi-device functionality. With the upcoming changes, users will soon be able to manage and save contacts directly on WhatsApp’s platform, a feature that could be useful for shared devices or users who manage both personal and business accounts. This will eliminate the need to rely solely on the phone for contact management, streamlining the process for multi-device users.
In addition to these immediate updates, WhatsApp is working on a more privacy-focused feature: the ability to add contacts using usernames rather than phone numbers. This feature, inspired by similar implementations from services like Signal, is still in development and will be rolled out later. The username option would provide users with the ability to start conversations without sharing personal phone numbers, addressing privacy concerns and offering more control over personal information.
Meta’s other messaging platforms, such as Messenger and Instagram, have already introduced various methods of adding contacts without phone numbers. For instance, Messenger allows users to find contacts through search or QR codes, while Instagram offers messaging without requiring users to follow one another.
However, WhatsApp has long provided default end-to-end encryption for its messages, a feature that Messenger is only now adopting as a default option. Instagram, on the other hand, offers encryption as an opt-in feature.
WhatsApp’s introduction of usernames marks a significant step toward improving privacy and flexibility in messaging. By removing the need to share phone numbers, WhatsApp is aligning with other modern messaging apps that prioritize user privacy. Along with the expanded device support, these updates will offer users more options for communication and better control over how they manage their contacts across devices.
