WhatsApp announced a new feature on Tuesday that eliminates the need for users to rely on their phone’s contact book to store and sync contacts. This update allows users to save contacts directly within the app and even across multiple devices. This ensures access to contact information through WhatsApp’s cloud storage, regardless of whether a device is lost or changed.
Previously, WhatsApp required contacts to be stored locally on a user’s phone. However, with the upcoming feature, contacts can now be stored on any device, including WhatsApp Web and the Windows app. Users can also opt to sync these contacts back to their phones from the WhatsApp cloud storage if needed.
This feature is particularly useful for those managing separate personal and business accounts on one device. This is because it allows contact lists to remain linked to specific WhatsApp accounts. Additionally, WhatsApp has developed a secure system called Identity Proof Linked Storage (IPLS), which ensures that saved contacts remain encrypted. Each time a contact is saved, the system generates an encryption key unique to the user’s device, adding a layer of protection.
Read More: The Latest WhatsApp Updates and Everything You Need to Know About it
Furthermore, WhatsApp has partnered with Cloudflare to ensure the integrity of user directories by signing any cryptographic changes. This prevents unauthorized alterations to saved contact lists.
One notable future update tied to this development is the ability to save contacts by usernames, which would eliminate the need to share phone numbers. This new privacy measure mirrors features already offered by WhatsApp’s competitors, Signal and Telegram.
The feature is expected to roll out soon, enhancing user convenience and privacy across the platform.
