WhatsApp to let users chat with unknown contacts on desktop with new feature update

In a step to enhance user convenience and privacy in messaging, WhatsApp has introduced a significant feature in its latest beta version for Windows, allowing users to initiate conversations with unknown contacts without adding their phone numbers to their address book. According to WaBetaInfo, the chat app is testing this feature with select beta users on Windows.

This feature is already available in WhatsApp for iOS and Android. After installing the latest WhatsApp beta for Windows update from the Microsoft Store (version 2.2342.6.0), some beta testers can see this new feature.

To check if it’s available on your WhatsApp account, open the “New chat” screen, where you’ll find a new entry point labelled “Phone number.” It facilitates quick opening of chats with individuals whose numbers are not saved in your contacts.

The ability to open chats with unknown phone numbers makes it easy to interact with new or unfamiliar contacts. According to WaBetaInfo, this feature eliminates the need to clutter your address book with unverified or temporary phone numbers, providing a cleaner and more organised contact list. Furthermore, it offers users a more private messaging experience since the privacy settings that apply to known contacts will now also extend to unknown contacts.

While this feature is currently available to some beta testers, WhatsApp is expected to gradually roll out this feature to more users over the coming days. If you haven’t received the update yet, you may get it soon.

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