How it works: On Android devices, you can often go to the "Chats" tab, tap the "New Chat" icon, and then use the search bar to directly input a phone number. If the number is registered with WhatsApp, it will appear, and you can initiate a chat.
Note for iOS: On iPhones, you generally need to add the contact to your phone's address book first before they will appear in your WhatsApp contact list.
Major News Affecting Future "Phone Number Search":
One of the most significant pieces of news from 2023 and continuing into 2024 is WhatsApp's ongoing development and gradual rollout of a username feature.
Why it's a big deal: This is a substantial estonia whatsapp number data shift for WhatsApp, traditionally anchored solely to phone numbers. Usernames are being introduced as an optional way for users to connect without having to share their personal phone number.
Privacy: The primary driver for this is enhanced user privacy. If you want to chat with someone new or in a group, you can share your unique username instead of your private phone number.
Search by Username: News reports from sources like WABetaInfo indicate that users will be able to search for others directly by their chosen username within WhatsApp. This means that in the future, you might "find" someone by their username, rather than just their phone number.
Rollout: This feature has been spotted in WhatsApp beta versions for both Android and iOS. While there's no exact universal release date yet, its presence in betas suggests it's nearing a broader public rollout.
Coexistence: It's important to understand that usernames are expected to complement phone numbers, not replace them. Your existing contacts who have your phone number will still be able to reach you via that number, even if you set up a username.