WhatsApp is testing a new Contacts tab for Android users through its beta program. The feature gives users a separate place to view and manage people they can contact on WhatsApp.
As part of the change, WhatsApp is replacing the Communities tab in the bottom navigation bar with the new Contacts section. The aim is to make it easier to find saved contacts and start conversations without having to search through the main Chats screen.
Advertisements
Also read:Â Airtel Buy 1 Get 1 Free Recharge Offer: Rs 349 and Rs 399 Plans Explained
WhatsApp Contacts Tab on Android
The new Contacts tab has been spotted in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.45.2. Once available, users can open the dedicated section to browse their saved contacts and begin a chat directly.
The tab also puts favorite contacts at the top. This gives users quicker access to people they contact frequently, while the remaining saved contacts appear below.
WhatsApp is also testing different ways to organize the contact list. Users can choose to arrange contacts alphabetically, by birthday, or by activity, depending on how they prefer to browse the list.
Activity Sorting Shows Online Contacts First
The activity option can make it easier to identify contacts who are currently online. When this sorting method is selected, online contacts can appear at the top and may be marked with a green indicator.
Contacts who are not currently online can be arranged according to their last-seen information, where available. What users can see depends on the privacy settings of those contacts.
Adding New Contacts Directly From WhatsApp
The new Contacts tab also provides a quicker way to save someone without leaving WhatsApp.
Users can tap the floating action button in the lower-right corner to add a contact. The form can include details such as the person’s first name, last name, username, and phone number.
WhatsApp can also sync the new contact with the phone’s address book. However, contacts can only be added to the device’s phonebook when a phone number is available.
Also read: Jio Rs 10,000 3-Year Prepaid Plan: Benefits, Validity and More
Quick Access to Meta AI
WhatsApp is also adding a shortcut for opening a conversation with Meta AI from this area. A green indicator on the Meta AI icon is used to show that the feature is available.
The dedicated Contacts tab is currently part of WhatsApp’s Android beta testing, so its availability may vary between users. WhatsApp could also make further changes before releasing the feature more widely.
Abhi Rajput, founder of EarnAbhi.in, is a tech lover with 6+ years of experience in SEO, digital tools, and smartphone troubleshooting. He writes simple, clear, and useful guides to help people solve real tech problems.