WhatsApp has launched a new update, version 2.23.5.12, which includes a feature that replaces phone numbers with usernames when a user receives a message from an unknown contact.
What is it?
With this feature, the push name now takes precedence over the phone number, and the phone numbers and push names will be swapped within the message bubble in group chats.
Additionally, phone numbers will be replaced with usernames in the chat list whenever an unknown contact sends a message in a group chat.
Compatibility
Currently, the feature is only available for a select group of beta testers.
WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.5.12 is labeled as a compatible update, but users may also be able to access the feature by installing the 2.23.5.11 beta version.
Availability
The feature has been made available to a limited group of beta testers and is expected to be rolled out to more users in the coming days.
Convenience
This feature allows users to easily identify messages from unknown contacts in their group chats, providing added convenience.
WhatsApp is further improving this feature by extending the same changes to the chat list.
Utility
Whenever the user receives a message from an unknown contact in a group chat, the push name will be displayed instead of the phone number in the chat list.
This feature will enable the recipient to quickly identify the unknown contact without having to save the number as a new contact, which can be particularly beneficial in large group chats where it can be challenging to identify unknown members.
To note
The username might also appear in other areas of the app in place of the phone number, including the group participants list.
However, it’s worth noting that this feature does not conceal the phone numbers of group members, as they will still be visible within the chat bubble.
Telegram
Telegram, another widely-used chat application, has long offered a similar feature.
Users can share their username to initiate conversations without revealing their phone number.
Additionally, Telegram offers a privacy setting that allows users to conceal their numbers from individuals who are not in their contacts list.
