Facebook-owned messaging platform; WhatsApp is soon rolling out a new feature to its Android users that lets them easily notify their contacts in case they want to switch/change their WhatsApp number.
The new WhatsApp feature dubbed; ‘Change Number feature’ is rolling out through a server-side update to WhatsApp for Android beta version 2.18.97. In addition, the feature gives you three options when you need to notify your contacts; all contacts, contacts that you’ve chats with, or custom, about your having switched from your old number to a new one. It will as well migrate their account information, groups & individual chats, and settings to the new number.
The feature is as well expected to come to iOS, and Windows operating system. No mention of when the feature will be rolled out globally.
How to use the feature
- To begin with the new Change Number feature, go to WhatsApp Settings > Account > Change number.
- After that, tap the Next button from the top-right corner, enter your old and new phone numbers, tap the Next button again, and then enable the Notify my contacts option.
- This brings options, namely All contacts, Contacts I have chats with, and Custom. Regardless of selecting any of the three options, all your groups you are part of will be notified.
The feature also details the number of contacts who will be notified about your new number.
On the other hand, WhatsApp for iPhone has received an update that brings with a couple of new changes. The app now lets iOS users see recent status updates in the WhatsApp widget in your iPhone’s Today View. The update also enhances the voice messaging feature that will now continue to play your voice messages even if you switch to another app or turn your screen off until either its stopped or ends.
