WhatsApp has introduced status updates for unsaved contacts, giving users a new way to see updates from people they recently messaged or called without first saving their numbers.
Some beta testers already have access to the feature, and WhatsApp plans to roll it out to more users in the coming days. The change expands how users can stay connected after recent interactions on the app.
The feature allows users to view status updates from phone numbers linked to recent chats or calls. When a tilde (~) appears before a contact name and phone number in the status interface, it signals that the update comes from a recent interaction with a number not saved in the user’s contacts.
The update gives WhatsApp users more visibility into recent connections while keeping the experience tied to actual communication on the platform.
How the New WhatsApp Feature Works
WhatsApp quietly rolled out the feature and did not officially announce it in the app. However, users who receive a status update from an unknown number may see an introductory screen explaining how the feature works.
That screen clarifies that recent interactions play a key role. Users may see status updates from numbers they have recently messaged or called, even if they have not saved those contacts.
WhatsApp says the feature does not change the privacy of status updates. Users still control who can see their status at any time through existing privacy settings.
Read: WhatsApp Tests Contact Feature for Hidden Profile Pictures
If someone you have not saved appears in your status feed, it means that person has saved your number in their contacts. Status visibility still depends on privacy preferences and whether both users recently interacted through messages or calls
The update gives users a more flexible way to follow people they recently connected with, especially after one-off chats or calls. At the same time, WhatsApp appears to be preserving its existing privacy framework rather than expanding visibility without limits.
That balance could make the feature more useful for users who regularly interact with new numbers while still wanting control over who sees their own updates.
