Privacy has always been a cornerstone of WhatsApp's appeal, and the messaging giant is doubling down on that commitment. Following the introduction of its Username feature earlier this year, WhatsApp is now working on giving users unprecedented control over who can view their phone numbers—a change that could significantly reshape how people interact on the platform.
Back in June, WhatsApp unveiled its Username feature, designed to let users connect with others without ever exchanging phone numbers. While the full rollout is still pending, users have already been able to claim their preferred usernames. Now, the company appears ready to take that privacy initiative even further.
According to a report from WABetaInfo, the latest development was spotted in WhatsApp beta version 2.26.45.1 for Android. The upcoming feature will offer four distinct visibility settings for phone numbers: Everyone, My contacts, My contacts except..., and Nobody. These options will determine who gets to see your number during calls and within chat conversations.
There's an important caveat, though: this privacy control will be exclusive to users who have set up a username. Additionally, if someone has already saved or knows your phone number, they will still be able to view it in calls and chats regardless of your settings.
Currently, WhatsApp automatically conceals your phone number from anyone who reaches out through your username. Once the new feature arrives, "Nobody" will serve as the default setting, meaning privacy-conscious users won't need to lift a finger. However, those who rely on WhatsApp for business or simply prefer to share their number openly will have the flexibility to adjust their visibility preferences accordingly.
It's worth noting that this feature remains in active development and hasn't reached beta testers yet. As with most WhatsApp features, it will likely make its way to the beta channel first before eventually rolling out to the general public.
