WhatsApp for Windows Now Allows Users to Start Conversations with Unfamiliar Numbers

WhatsApp, the instant messaging platform owned by Meta, is introducing a new update to its native Windows application through the official beta channel of the Microsoft Store. This update includes a feature that allows users to open conversations with unknown phone numbers.

“After installing the latest WhatsApp beta for Windows 2.2342.6.0 update from the Microsoft Store, some beta testers can now try this feature,” WABetaInfo reported.

According to the report, this feature makes it possible to open a conversation with an unknown contact without adding the phone number to the address book, making it easier for users to start conversations and exchange messages with people they may have just met or contacted.

A screenshot shared by WABetaInfo revealed that the Meta-owned app has introduced a new screen where you can enter a phone number to quickly start a chat with someone who isn’t in your contacts.

To check if this feature is available on your WhatsApp account, just open the New Chat screen and you should find a new entry point called Phone Number.

“This feature is a major step forward in providing users with an easy-to-use option to quickly start a conversation with unknown contacts, eliminating the need to clutter your address book with unverified or temporary phone numbers,” WABetaInfo said.

It also provides a more private communication experience because the current privacy settings also apply to an unknown contact, as adding it to the address book would have automatically added the new phone number to the privacy settings, it added.

The ability to start conversations with unknown phone numbers is now available to select beta testers who have installed the latest WhatsApp beta for Windows via the Microsoft Store. If you haven’t received this update yet, it will gradually roll out to more users over the coming days.