WhatsApp Tests Letting Users Control Who Sees Their Phone Numbers

In June, WhatsApp began rolling out a feature that allows users to be identified by their usernames instead of their phone numbers. For those with a valid username, the platform automatically conceals their phone numbers from individuals they message for the first time, while maintaining visibility for established contacts. Recently, there are indications that WhatsApp is testing a more granular control over who can see users' phone numbers, according to WABetaInfo.

This feature is part of a new section in the privacy settings screen of the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.45.1 update. Users can choose between "Everyone," "My contacts," "My contacts except…," and "Nobody" to dictate who can view their phone numbers once they've enabled the username system. The update also indicates that altering this setting will reset the existing exceptions list, with the pop-up warning that some previously hidden numbers may become visible.

By default, WhatsApp sets this option to "Nobody" for users with a username, ensuring that numbers remain concealed unless someone contacts via the phone number. The "Everyone" option is likely to be chosen by businesses wanting their contact details visible to all potential customers, while "My contacts" and "My contacts except…" may be preferred by more established contacts like friends and family.

Although the feature was found in a beta update, it is not currently available to beta testers, and its availability is uncertain. However, it may be the final step before WhatsApp rolls out the feature globally in markets without usernames.