WhatsApp will now let you save phone numbers directly on the app | Tech Tips
WhatsApp has announced a new update that will let you save phone numbers to the app. This means that you no longer have to rely on your phone’s address book for contacts on WhatsApp. It’s also adding the ability to add and manage contacts on WhatsApp Web and Windows, and eventually other linked devices. Here’s a detailed look at the new WhatsApp features.
Save contacts directly to WhatsApp
- With the latest update, you’ll have the option to save a new phone number to WhatsApp. You can also choose to sync the contact to your phone so it gets saved to your device as well.
- This way you can message contacts saved on WhatsApp even when you switch devices or lose data. Contacts that you save to WhatsApp will be restored even if you lose your phone or change devices.
- WhatsApp is using an encrypted storage system called Identity Proof Linked Storage (IPLS) to save phone numbers on the app. It says that IPLS ensures that the contacts are encrypted and accessible only to the user.
If you use multiple WhatsApp accounts on your phone, you can customise your contact list for each contact between work and personal. WhatsApp also plans to let you eventually manage and save contacts by usernames. This is said to add an extra degree of privacy since you won’t need to share your phone number when messaging someone on WhatsApp.
Another new update to contacts is the ability to add and manage contacts on WhatsApp Web and Windows. Until now you could do this only through your phone but WhatsApp will soon add support for its web and Windows apps. This way you’ll be able to save new numbers from WhatsApp Web and Windows, and even manage your contacts.
WhatsApp hasn’t given a rollout timeline for the new features but it should start arriving for all users soon.
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