WhatsApp working on letting users add favorite contacts: Report

According to a new report, WhatsApp is working on a new feature that will allow users to add, reorder, or delete contacts in a specific order. The feature called Favorites was spotted in the latest beta version of WhatsApp for Android and is expected to allow users to set speed dial of contacts for easy access. This feature is not currently visible so beta testers will not be able to use it, but it is expected to be available in one of the upcoming updates.

there was a new feature informed of By WhatsApp feature tracker WABetaInfo, which claimed that the instant messaging platform is working on integrating a Favorites tab within the Settings menu. This feature was spotted in WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.7.18 update. Despite being present within the app’s code, it is not visible and users who have joined the beta program will not be able to see it. The report highlights that this feature could not be explored currently due to similar restrictions.

whatsapp favorite tab
Photo Credit: WABetaInfo

Based on screenshots shared by the publication, the new settings option was located between Account And confidentiality Option. a new option of Favorite Now visible with “Add, Rearrange, Delete” description. Upon opening Settings, a new screen mentions, “Make it easier to find the people and groups that matter most on WhatsApp”. Although not much has been revealed about the feature, it appears that users will be able to add their favorite contacts to create a speed-dial-like interface from which they can instantly send messages to people they care about. Give utmost importance.

However, if this is the intended use case of the feature, it may be unnecessary for many users. Based on the screenshots, the feature is hidden under two different screens (Home screen > Adjustment , Favorite), which would make its use cumbersome. The current interface of the instant messaging app automatically pushes up chats where messages were recently shared.

Additionally, users also have the option to pin chats to the top for easy access. The existing mechanisms and features are designed to maintain both favorite contacts and most frequently interacted contacts. It can also be useful for users who want to keep a separate list of contacts that they don’t reach out to frequently but want easy access to for some specific situations. WhatsApp may shed more light on this feature if it launches publicly.