whatsappiconcleanedWhatsApp is testing the use of QR codes to let users add contacts to the messaging platform, reports WABetaInfo.

The feature appears in beta versions for both iOS and Android, and can be found in the app's settings menu, which includes options to display your own QR code and scan the codes of other users. QR codes can also be revoked if users decide they'd rather not share their number with someone anymore.

The beta feature is a long-overdue way of adding contacts to WhatsApp directly. Currently users must first add a contact via the Contacts tab in Apple's Phone app. Only after then can they open WhatsApp and send them a message.

Using a QR code instead would skip this step and make the process a lot more convenient, although it's unknown when the feature will make it into a public release.

WhatsApp recently implemented new restrictions on the mass forwarding of messages in an effort to slow the spread of misinformation on the chat platform, and also added a group video chat capability for up to eight users at once.

Tag: WhatsApp

Top Rated Comments

macintoshmac Avatar
macintoshmac
75 months ago

WhatsApp is still the best messaging app in the world. The most ubiquitous, easy to use and feature-rich.

The only cons: 1) Owned by Facebook. 2) No iPad or iPod app.
Owned by Facebook, and recently started uploading contacts to their servers instead of accessing contacts on-device like they used to. So, effectively, they are going to end up with the largest phone number directory in the world, privacy be damned.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MacBH928 Avatar
MacBH928
75 months ago

And again: privacy is a myth these days. No company (including Apple) offers you privacy.
Privacy is not a myth, if you use software that respects your privacy you will limit the exposure of your personal life.

If you use: Signal for messaging, FireFox for browsing, adblocks, PiHole, Linux for OS, ProtonMail for email, DuckDuckGo for searching..etc companies will know very little of you.

If you use: Whatsapp for messaging, Chrome for browsing, Alexa for searching, Gmail, Google, and Windows expect your whole life is being recorded in text, image, video, and sound form in a huge database shared with the government and sold to the highest bidder.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Elements0fStyle Avatar
Elements0fStyle
75 months ago

WhatsApp is still the best messaging app in the world. The most ubiquitous, easy to use and feature-rich.

The only cons: 1) Owned by Facebook. 2) No iPad or iPod app.
3. Their encryption has been vulnerable and I know for a fact government workers and military personnel have been advised not to use it.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
GeoStructural Avatar
GeoStructural
75 months ago
WhatsApp is still the best messaging app in the world. The most ubiquitous, easy to use and feature-rich.

The only cons: 1) Owned by Facebook. 2) No iPad or iPod app.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Rychiar Avatar
Rychiar
75 months ago

In the world? Are you sure? Cause I live in Asia, and I barely heard of WA, I only got to use it for a short time because of work. But compared to other chat apps here that’s not only chat apps but also our form of mobile payments (like WeChat Pay, LINE Pay, or KakaoPay), WhatsApp is not even as closed to being as useful as these apps.
don't worry. American has barely heard of it either
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
B4U Avatar
B4U
75 months ago
Line had it for years.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Read All Comments

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
While the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate is now available ahead of a public release, the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
Read Full Article • 35 comments
imac video apple feature

Apple Makes Its Second-Biggest Acquisition Ever

Tuesday February 3, 2026 12:45 pm PST by
Apple recently acquired Israeli startup Q.ai for close to $2 billion, according to Financial Times sources. That would make this Apple's second-biggest acquisition ever, after it paid $3 billion for the popular headphone maker Beats in 2014. This is also the largest known Apple acquisition since the company purchased Intel's smartphone modem business and patents for $1 billion in 2019....
Read Full Article
Apple Logo Zoomed

Tim Cook Teases Plans for Apple's Upcoming 50th Anniversary

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:54 pm PST by
Apple turns 50 this year, and its CEO Tim Cook has promised to celebrate the milestone. The big day falls on April 1, 2026. "I've been unusually reflective lately about Apple because we have been working on what do we do to mark this moment," Cook told employees today, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "When you really stop and pause and think about the last 50 years, it makes your heart ...
Read Full Article • 143 comments
iphone 16 pro colors 1

Apple Begins Selling Refurbished iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Models at Lower Prices

Wednesday February 4, 2026 7:44 am PST by
Apple today began selling certified refurbished iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max models on its online store in the U.S., with prices discounted by 12% to 22% compared to Apple's current or former pricing for the devices. Here were Apple's starting prices when the devices launched in September 2024: iPhone 16: $799 iPhone 16 Plus: $899 iPhone 16 Pro:...
Read Full Article • 37 comments
Apple TV Color

Apple TV Announces 12 New Shows and Films Coming This Year

Wednesday February 4, 2026 12:29 pm PST by
Apple on Tuesday previewed 12 new shows and films that will be premiering on the Apple TV streaming service throughout 2026. The new series: Imperfect Women — March 18, 2026 Margo's Got Money Troubles — April 15, 2026 Widow's Bay — April 29, 2026 Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed — May 20, 2026 Cape Fear — June 5, 2026 Lucky — July 15, 2026 The new films: Eternity — ...
Read Full Article • 59 comments