If you’ve ever tried to start a WhatsApp chat with an unknown phone number, you’d likely know how difficult it can be. Generally speaking, you need to have the number saved on your device in order to start chatting with it, but an update that we spotted on Microsoft Windows app in the WhatsApp beta might be a game changer on that front.
One way to start a chat with an unknown number is to receive it in a message and tap on it, but what if you want to initiate a chat without jumping through those hoops? Well, it turns out that WhatsApp is working on an update that will allow you to simply enter the unknown phone number that you want to chat with, and a new chat window will be opened that can allow you to do so.
All you need to do is tap on the compose message button which will reveal a new screen that asks for the number of the device in question. If the number is already saved on your phone, you can select it from your list of contacts, but you will also have the option to enter a brand new number from any country if you so choose.
A major advantage of this update is that it will make it considerably easier to start chatting with people after you exchange numbers. You won’t always want to save their contact details since some of these contacts might not be important in the long run, and with this update, you will get the chance to begin chatting in a simplified manner.
This is a massive step forward in terms of accessibility, and it will be interesting to see how WhatsApp’s competitors will respond. The most popular messaging app in the world has done a good job of keeping its competitors including Discord, Telegram and Signal at bay with a constant stream of updates, and this beta test indicates that it’s not showing any signs of slowing down.
Another benefit of this feature is the enhanced level of privacy it can provide. Numbers that aren’t saved to your contacts won’t be able to see all of your details. This can offer an added layer of security which most users will greatly appreciate. It is currently unknown when this update will receive a wider rollout, but chances are that it’ll happen sooner rather than later.
Read next: SMBs Gearing Up for an AI Makeover
One way to start a chat with an unknown number is to receive it in a message and tap on it, but what if you want to initiate a chat without jumping through those hoops? Well, it turns out that WhatsApp is working on an update that will allow you to simply enter the unknown phone number that you want to chat with, and a new chat window will be opened that can allow you to do so.
All you need to do is tap on the compose message button which will reveal a new screen that asks for the number of the device in question. If the number is already saved on your phone, you can select it from your list of contacts, but you will also have the option to enter a brand new number from any country if you so choose.
A major advantage of this update is that it will make it considerably easier to start chatting with people after you exchange numbers. You won’t always want to save their contact details since some of these contacts might not be important in the long run, and with this update, you will get the chance to begin chatting in a simplified manner.
This is a massive step forward in terms of accessibility, and it will be interesting to see how WhatsApp’s competitors will respond. The most popular messaging app in the world has done a good job of keeping its competitors including Discord, Telegram and Signal at bay with a constant stream of updates, and this beta test indicates that it’s not showing any signs of slowing down.
Another benefit of this feature is the enhanced level of privacy it can provide. Numbers that aren’t saved to your contacts won’t be able to see all of your details. This can offer an added layer of security which most users will greatly appreciate. It is currently unknown when this update will receive a wider rollout, but chances are that it’ll happen sooner rather than later.
Read next: SMBs Gearing Up for an AI Makeover
