Upon accessing a community’s announcement group info menu, users will find a new “Phone Number Privacy” option. When selected, a warning message will appear, informing users that while their details will be hidden, some exceptions will still apply. Community admins, as well as individuals who have saved the user’s number as a contact or obtained it from other chats, will still be able to view the phone number. Additionally, if necessary, users can request contact details from another person whose number is hidden, facilitating communication while respecting privacy preferences.
Limitations and Availability
It’s essential to note that this feature is exclusive to community members. Creators of a community or administrators will not have the option to hide their phone numbers. Users interested in trying out the Phone Number Privacy feature can access it through the most recent WhatsApp for Android beta from the Google Play Store or the WhatsApp for iOS beta from the Apple App Store. However, due to Apple’s TestFlight program no longer accepting new entrants, new iPhone users might be unable to access the feature. In contrast, Android owners can participate in the Play Store’s still-active beta program.
