WhatsApp Introduces Feature to Send Messages to Unknown Numbers
WABetaInfo has reported that WhatsApp is rolling out an update which eliminates the frustrating extra step of having to save a contact before messaging them. This has always been a flaw in the app, making it unnecessarily complicated. With the new update, users can now reach out to anyone without the need to save their information first.
That’s right, “Lisa library” or “Paul apartment in Etelä 4” will no longer save contact information for people you communicate with on WhatsApp once and never talk to again. You can try out this new feature the same way you would start any message. Click the new message button on your home screen (top right on Apple devices, bottom right on Android devices), then type a number into the search bar. The number appears under the “Not in your contacts” category. To the right of the person’s number and profile picture, there is an option to click “chat”, which will take you directly to a conversation with them.
Until now, one of the only exceptions – if you can even call it that – has been answering unsaved numbers in group chats. However, this required you to enter the code via a QR code or link, or to be invited to it by someone with your contact information. The latest update for WhatsApp is rolling out to all users, so you should see it in the next few days or maybe weeks.
