WhatsApp has announced a big change that makes it easier to add and manage contacts. In a blog post, the Meta-owned instant messaging app said that users will now be able to add and manage contacts on WhatsApp, from any device they may be using.
As of now, users could only add contacts from their mobile devices, by either typing in a phone number or scanning a QR code. “Soon, you’ll be able to add and manage contacts from the comfort of your keyboard on WhatsApp Web and Windows – and eventually other linked devices,” said WhatsApp in a blog post.
Users will also be able to manage and save contacts by usernames. “Usernames on WhatsApp will add an extra degree of privacy so that you don’t need to share your phone number when messaging someone,” said WhatsApp in the blog post.
How will saving contacts on WhatsApp work?
WhatsApp has revealed that it is using a new encrypted storage system called Identity Proof Linked Storage (IPLS). IPLS allows you to save your contacts and automatically restore them directly through WhatsApp. “With IPLS in place, you can now create contacts directly within WhatsApp and choose to sync them to your phone or securely save them only to WhatsApp – giving you the ability to create contacts that are specific to your account,” explained WhatsApp.
WhatsApp is also introducing a new choice to save a contact exclusively to WhatsApp. “These WhatsApp contacts are ideal for when you are sharing your phone with others or if you want to separate personal and business contacts when managing more than one WhatsApp account on your phone,” explained WhatsApp.
In case a user loses a phone or changes devices, contacts that have been saved to WhatsApp will be restored automatically. “Today’s just one crucial step to making that reality possible and we’ll have more to share when it’s ready,” noted WhatsApp.
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