WhatsApp tests a setting to hide your phone number from others

WhatsApp is reportedly testing a setting that lets you choose who can see your phone number in calls and chats. It is meant for people who have set up a WhatsApp username. If you use WhatsApp for business, the default could change how customers see your number.

What the setting does

WhatsApp added usernames in June as a privacy feature. A username lets people reserve a name and talk without knowing each other's phone numbers. The feature is not fully rolled out yet. Tracker site WABetaInfo says the new number setting appeared in beta version 2.26.45.1 of WhatsApp for Android. A beta is an early test version of an app.

• The four choices are Everyone, My contacts, My contacts except, and Nobody.
• It only works for people who have a username.
• People who already have your number will still see it in calls and chats.
• The default is reportedly Nobody, so you do nothing to stay hidden.

WhatsApp already hides the number of users who have a username. The new setting adds more control over who can see it. For a business, that means you may need to change the setting if you want customers to see your number.

What is not known yet

The feature is still in development. It is not available even to beta testers. WhatsApp would first need to release it to the beta channel, then to the public. No dates have been given.