WhatsApp is testing a new privacy feature that allows users to manage contact synchronization across devices. This feature is available in the latest beta update for Android, enabling control over which contacts are synced.
Users can add, edit, or delete contacts from any connected device, including tablets and desktops, with changes automatically reflected across all devices. If users disable contact synchronization for a specific account, those contacts will no longer appear in WhatsApp.
The new feature includes cryptographic hash protection, securing phone numbers of contacts without WhatsApp accounts while monitoring for suspicious behavior related to contact uploads.
Even with contact sync disabled, users can still communicate with existing contacts. If a user switches phones or reinstalls the app, WhatsApp will automatically restore connected contacts, ensuring a seamless transition.
This feature currently targets select beta users on Android and iOS, with plans for broader rollout in the coming weeks. Android users can download the update via Google Play Store, while iOS users can access it through TestFlight.