WhatsApp earlier this week announced a significant update that allows users to save and manage contacts directly within the app. Previously, the popular messaging service relied solely on syncing contacts from a user’s phone address book.
This new feature marks a major shift, enabling users to store contacts in WhatsApp’s cloud storage, ensuring that they remain accessible even if a device is lost or replaced.
With the introduction of this feature, users will now be able to save and manage their contacts across various platforms, including WhatsApp for the web and Windows desktop applications.
The flexibility offered by this update will allow users to handle their contacts without depending on their phone’s contact list. Additionally, for those who prefer, contacts stored within WhatsApp can still be synced back to the phone’s address book.
WhatsApp’s Approach to Account Management
This update builds upon WhatsApp’s existing efforts to improve account management. Last year, the platform introduced the ability to log into two WhatsApp accounts on the same device, making it easier for users to keep their personal and business contacts separate.
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Now, with this contact-saving feature, users who share devices with others can maintain distinct contact lists linked to their own phone number. This further enhances the user experience by providing greater control and organization of contacts.
Enhanced Security with Identity Proof Linked Storage (IPLS)
Security has been a priority in developing this new feature. WhatsApp has implemented an advanced encryption system called Identity Proof Linked Storage (IPLS).
When users save a contact, the system generates a unique encryption key on the device, which ensures that only authenticated devices can access or retrieve the saved contact information. This encryption is designed to enhance security while providing seamless functionality across multiple devices.
Furthermore, WhatsApp has partnered with Cloudflare to monitor and verify any changes made to the cryptographic properties of a user’s contact list. According to Meta, this collaboration ensures that unauthorized edits or tampering with saved contacts are prevented, adding an additional layer of trust for users.
Future Updates: Saving Contacts by Username
In addition to the new contact-saving feature, WhatsApp is also working on enabling contact saving by username.
This would provide users with an extra level of privacy, as they would no longer need to share their phone numbers when messaging someone new. Instead, users could connect through usernames, protecting their personal contact information.
The idea of adding usernames has been in the works since May 2023, when reports suggested that WhatsApp was exploring the feature.
Many competing messaging platforms like Signal and Telegram already offer similar privacy-focused options, where users can share a username rather than revealing their phone number. WhatsApp’s implementation of usernames will offer a more secure and private way for users to manage their communication.
