WhatsApp is testing a dedicated Contacts tab for Android users, introducing new ways to manage and browse contacts. The feature allows users to check online status, receive birthday reminders, and search for people more easily.
The new feature is available in the latest WhatsApp beta version through the Google Play Store. However, it remains under development and is not yet available to all users.
The Contacts tab appears directly in the app’s bottom navigation bar. It provides a separate space for viewing contacts without relying on existing chat lists.
New Contacts Tab Shows Online Status
The dedicated Contacts section displays a list of people saved in the user’s contacts. A green dot indicates which contacts are currently online.
This feature can help users identify available contacts more quickly. However, online visibility depends on individual privacy settings.
Users who have disabled their online visibility will not appear as online in the new section. This means the green indicator will only appear when the relevant visibility settings allow it.
The addition gives WhatsApp users another way to browse their contacts. It also separates contact discovery from conversations and other existing app features.
WhatsApp Adds Birthday Reminders
WhatsApp is also testing birthday reminders within the new Contacts tab. The feature highlights contacts whose birthdays fall on the current day.
A cake emoji and a “Birthday today” label will appear beside the relevant contact. This visual reminder can help users remember important dates and send birthday wishes.
The birthday information comes automatically from the phone’s saved contacts. Users will not need to enter the same birthday details separately within WhatsApp.
This feature could make it easier to keep track of birthdays while using the messaging app. However, the reminder depends on the availability of birthday information in the phone’s contact list.
Search and Sorting Options
The new Contacts tab also includes a search bar at the top. Users can find people by entering their names, phone numbers, or usernames.
WhatsApp is additionally testing options to sort contacts in different ways. Users can arrange the list alphabetically or organize it according to activity.
The activity-based option places currently online contacts at the top of the list. This may help users find available people without scrolling through their entire contact list.
The section also includes an invitation option for people who do not use WhatsApp. Users can invite those contacts to join the messaging platform.
When Will the Feature Reach All Users?
For now, the dedicated Contacts tab remains limited to beta testers using Android devices. The feature is still being developed, and its availability may change during testing.
WhatsApp has not announced an official release date for all Android users. The company may make further adjustments before introducing the feature more widely.
In other related news also read WhatsApp Launches Four New Features for Global Users
The update brings contact browsing, online status indicators, birthday reminders, and sorting tools into one section. If released broadly, it could offer users a more organized way to manage their contacts within WhatsApp.
