WhatsApp is working on a new feature that will make managing saved contacts more convenient for Android users. The messaging platform has started rolling out a dedicated Contacts tab to selected beta testers, giving them a separate space to browse their contacts, organize favorites, and begin new conversations.
The update is designed to simplify contact management by reducing the need to search through existing chats whenever users want to message someone.
Also Read: WhatsApp Tests Scheduled Messages and Reels Shortcut on Android
A New Contacts Section Replaces the Communities Tab
The latest change has been spotted in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.45.2. With this update, WhatsApp is introducing a dedicated Contacts section in the bottom navigation bar, taking the place previously occupied by the Communities tab.
The new section provides direct access to saved contacts without requiring users to open the Chats screen first. This could make everyday communication more straightforward, particularly for people who frequently start conversations with different contacts.
However, the feature is currently part of the beta rollout and may not be available to everyone.
Find Favorite Contacts More Easily
One of the useful additions is a dedicated favorites section at the top of the Contacts page. Contacts marked as favorites will appear separately, allowing users to reach their preferred people without browsing the entire list.
Below this section, WhatsApp displays the remaining saved contacts. This arrangement gives users a more organized view of the people available on their account.
The feature also offers different sorting options, making it easier to locate someone based on individual preferences.
Multiple Options to Organize Your Contact List
WhatsApp is introducing several ways to arrange contacts within the new section. Users can choose from the following sorting options:
- Alphabetical order: Displays contacts according to their names.
- Birthday: Helps users find contacts based on their birthdays.
- Activity: Prioritizes contacts according to their online status and recent activity.
The activity-based option is particularly useful for identifying people who are currently available. Online contacts appear near the top of the list and are marked with a green indicator.
For contacts who are offline, WhatsApp can arrange them according to their last-seen information, subject to the privacy settings of each account.
Adding New Contacts Directly Through WhatsApp
The dedicated Contacts tab also makes saving new people more convenient. A floating action button appears in the bottom-right corner of the screen, allowing users to create a new contact without leaving the section.
After selecting this option, users can enter details such as:
- First name
- Last name
- Username
- Phone number
WhatsApp also provides an option to synchronize newly created contacts with the phone’s address book. However, device-level synchronization is limited to contacts that include a phone number.
This gives users more flexibility when saving contact information while maintaining the option to store eligible entries directly on their devices.
Quick Access to Meta AI
Alongside the contact management improvements, WhatsApp has included a shortcut for opening a conversation with Meta AI.
The Meta AI icon features a green availability indicator, making the shortcut easier to notice within the app. Users can use this entry point to access the AI assistant without having to search through their regular conversations.
When Will the New Contacts Tab Be Available?
The dedicated Contacts tab has been identified in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.45.2. Its availability is currently limited to selected beta users as WhatsApp continues testing the updated navigation experience.
There is no confirmed public release date for the feature yet. WhatsApp may also make adjustments to its appearance or functionality before introducing it to a wider audience.
Also Read: WhatsApp Starts Rolling Out Parental Controls for Teen Accounts
Final Thoughts
The new Contacts tab could be a useful addition to WhatsApp, especially for users who prefer keeping their conversations and contact lists organized separately. Features such as favorite contacts, activity-based sorting, direct contact creation, and Meta AI access are intended to make navigation more convenient.
Although the update is still being tested, it represents another step toward improving how Android users discover and manage people on WhatsApp. Users will need to wait for a broader rollout to find out when the feature becomes available on the stable version of the app.
Ankita Kumar, founder of sabhigyan.com, is passionate about technology, smartphones, apps, and digital tools. With 8+ years of experience in the digital and tech space, he focuses on creating easy-to-understand, practical, and helpful content that makes everyday technology simpler for readers.
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