WhatsApp has a new feature to help keep your conversations private. The messaging service has rolled out a beta version of the app that improves account security by letting you hide your phone number in community groups. It is not available for everyone yet but is expected to be rolled out in the coming weeks, reports WABetaInfo.

The new feature has been dubbed “Phone Number Privacy” and is already available to people using the beta version of the Android or iOS apps. This new option is located under your Profile menu and will hide your phone number from other members of a community group. It will only apply to new messages you send or receive within the community and to other members of the same group who have enabled it for themselves.

According to the company, the feature is being added because WhatsApp wants users to be able to use its features in a way that feels comfortable and safe for them. The message also states that WhatsApp is continuously improving its platform to protect the privacy of its users.

Among other improvements, WhatsApp has also made it easier to connect accounts across different devices by eliminating the need for QR code scanning. The process has been simplified to require a one-time code that is sent to the user via phone or email. This helps prevent account theft and is a good step towards strengthening account security.

In the future, WhatsApp will also allow its users to create a unique username for their account that will act as an alternative to their phone number. This will be useful for those who want to stay anonymous and are worried about someone getting access to their chats. Moreover, WhatsApp has been spotted working on an update that will let its users edit their sent messages.

Lastly, the messaging platform has added an extra layer of security for its mobile app by introducing an extra check when verifying a new device. This will ensure that the new device is indeed the owner of the account and prevent fraud. It is unclear if this extra verification will be mandatory or not, but it will definitely boost account safety for those who are concerned about their privacy and security.

The changes are being rolled out in the latest beta release. You can try out the new features by downloading the latest WhatsApp beta from the Play Store. Since the beta releases are being rolled out in waves, the Phone Number Privacy might not be available immediately upon installation. However, it is a good idea to stay vigilant and remain updated with the latest news from the beta release cycle. This will help you get the most out of your beta experience and improve your overall user experience. Moreover, make sure that your device meets the minimum requirements for running WhatsApp betas. You can check the system requirements for the latest releases on WhatsApp’s website.