WhatsApp to soon let users add contacts from any linked device

WhatsApp update: WhatsApp today announced that soon all its users will be able to save new contacts from any linked device. As of now, users can save contacts only from ir smartphones eir by manually typing a phone number or by scanning QR code of contact within app. But this is about to change as Meta Platforms-owned messaging app today announced that soon users will be able to d and manage contacts via WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp's Windows-based app. company also said that in time it will also let users d and manage contacts via or linked devices, including its Mac-based app.

WhatsApp update: Save contacts exclusively within app

In dition to ability to save contacts via linked devices, Meta also introduced a new feature that will let users save new contacts exclusively within WhatsApp. "se WhatsApp contacts are ideal for when you are sharing your phone with ors or if you want to separate personal and business contacts when managing more than one WhatsApp account on your phone," WhatsApp wrote in a post announcing new features ding that contacts that users save exclusively within WhatsApp will be restored even if users change ir devices or lose m. 

Furrmore, company said that users will also be able to customise ir contact list for multiple accounts that y use on a single device. That said, WhatsApp is not using end-to-end-encryption, technique that it uses to protect messages shared on its platform, to safeguard contacts saved exclusively within app. Inste, it is using a new encrypted storage system called Identity Proof Linked Storage (IPLS) for same.

WhatsApp teases usernames

Lastly, company said that in near future, users will also be able to save and manage contacts using usernames – anor new feature coming to messaging platform. In its blog post, Meta said, “usernames on WhatsApp will d an extra degree of privacy so that you don't need to share your phone number when messaging someone.” This means users will be able to search for contacts on WhatsApp, just as y do on Telegram, when username feature is rolled out. That said, company hasn't shared a potential timeline of availability for this feature yet.