WhatsApp Beta Testers on Android Can Now Log in with Phone Numbers

WhatsApp, the popular messaging platform, is introducing a feature that allows beta testers on Android to log in to WhatsApp Web using a phone number. This is a significant shift from the existing login process, which necessitates users to scan a QR code with their smartphone to access the web version of the app. With the updated feature, users will be able to sign in on their browser using their mobile number, a useful option if the phone's camera is not functioning correctly. The messaging app is also working on new filters for advanced chat sorting in the beta version of Android.

This new feature was spotted in version 2.23.14 of WhatsApp beta for Android by WABetaInfo, a feature-tracking platform. Users can find the feature by clicking on the three-dot menu at the top right corner of the screen, then choosing Linked devices > Link a device and authenticate using the phone's fingerprint scanner or their phone PIN or password. Subsequently, a screen with a QR code scanner and a new option - Link with phone number instead - appears.

Clicking on the new button prompts the user to open WhatsApp Web and select "Link with phone number." After inputting their phone number, users receive an 8-digit code, which they must enter on the WhatsApp app on their phone to finalize the device linking process. Gadgets 360 confirmed that this new feature works as described on the latest beta version of WhatsApp for Android.

However, it is crucial to note that the most recent WhatsApp beta version for Android only supports phone number logins on the Web interface. This means users cannot sign in using their mobile number on WhatsApp Desktop or on secondary mobile devices. As of now, there is no information on when WhatsApp will extend this feature to its app on iOS or when it will be available to Android users on the stable update channel.

In other developments, WABetaInfo also discovered a new feature currently under development that will enable users to filter their messages with just a few taps. Replacing the navigation tabs now located at the bottom of the chat app, WhatsApp is introducing new filters such as All, Unread, Personal, and Business. These filters will facilitate users to categorize their chats based on whether they are unopened or still unread and also sort out WhatsApp Business chats by tapping on one of the four filters.