Meta’s popular messaging app WhatsApp has recently rolled out a new feature that allows users to search for phone numbers directly within the app, making it easier to start a conversation with unknown people.

According to WABetaInfo, this useful plugin aims to offer users a more convenient and private way to have conversations without saving unknown contacts in their address book. This feature is now available to users who have updated their WhatsApp apps to the latest versions on iOS and Android platforms.

How to use the new WhatsApp feature: chat with unknown numbers

To use this feature, click the “start new chat” button in the chat list and enter an unknown number in the search bar. WhatsApp first searches if the number is in your list, otherwise it will call outside of your contact list.

WhatsApp expands its calling functionality beyond a user’s existing contacts, making conversations with unknown numbers simplified. This feature eliminates the need for third-party apps or official chat APIs, simplifying the process for users who face limitations when starting a chat with previously unknown people.

One of the notable advantages of this feature is its ability to improve user privacy. Previously, people would save unknown contacts in their address book to view their WhatsApp profile pictures and easily recognize them in the future. However, such contacts are usually maintained even after their purpose has been fulfilled. WhatsApp provides an additional layer of privacy by allowing users to call their phone numbers without hiding them, providing a more streamlined messaging experience.

For companies, this update enables more efficient and direct communication with customers. They can respond promptly to questions, provide personalized assistance, and develop stronger relationships. By eliminating the need for customers to store contacts or use third-party apps, businesses can streamline their customer service operations and increase overall customer satisfaction.

This feature is also useful for small businesses, freelancers or entrepreneurs who rely heavily on WhatsApp to communicate and interact with customers. They can easily reach potential customers or customers by directly sharing their phone number, expanding their reach and making new connections.

This feature is available not only to beta users, but to all users who have installed the latest stable updates of WhatsApp for iOS and Android. The latest update of WhatsApp for Android is available from the Google Play Store, while iOS users can update their apps via the App Store app.

Alongside this latest development, WhatsApp is actively working on introducing other new features to enrich the messaging experience. Some of the upcoming features include animated avatars, emoji-based sticker suggestions, and a hidden phone number feature for communities.