Status visibility will depend on users’ privacy settings, according to the Meta-owned messaging platform.
The Meta-owned messaging app WhatsApp has rolled out a new feature that lets users view status updates from unsaved phone numbers, making it easier to stay updated on recent contacts.
According to WABetaInfo, the feature is currently available to select beta testers and is expected to expand to more users in the coming days.
This feature offers a new way for users to stay connected with people they’ve recently interacted with.
Status updates can now be visible to numbers involved in recent chats or calls. When a tilde (~) appears before a contact name and phone number in the status section, it signals that the update is coming from a recent interaction with an unsaved contact.
It is worth noting that WhatsApp has quietly introduced this feature without any formal announcement inside the app.
When users receive status updates from unknown numbers, WhatsApp may show an introductory screen explaining how the feature works.
Users can see status updates from unsaved contacts if those numbers are saved in the other person’s address book, provided there has been a recent message or call between them.
Despite these changes, the introductory screen reassures users that the privacy of their status updates remains unchanged.
Users still have full control over who can view their status at any time. If a status is received from an unsaved contact, it indicates that the other person has saved the user’s number.
Overall, status visibility continues to depend on privacy settings as well as recent interactions such as calls or messages between users.
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