The latest beta version of WhatsApp on Android, version 2.20.171, includes a new feature that makes it easier to add contacts to your list. Sharing your account can then be done via a QR code.
This makes it possible to share your contact details with someone, without immediately handing in your phone number. When the other person scans the QR code, they will see your number, of course. Your WhatsApp account is inextricably linked to your phone number, so you cannot escape it. Fortunately, there are also communication services where you do not have to use your phone number. WhatsApp is certainly not one of them. And this function doesn't change that much.
Scan QR code in WhatsApp
When you have downloaded the latest beta version on your Android device, you will find the new options within the settings. At the top of the screen you will see your own name and profile picture, as well as the status you have ever set. Next to your name you will find a button for the QR code. When you tap on that, you will be taken to a new window where the code is presented – along with your phone number.
There is also the option to scan a code. You will find it at the top right. Of course you must have given the application access to your camera, otherwise you will not be able to scan the code. You can scan codes in two ways. You do this by pointing your camera directly at someone else's phone or by using screenshots. The app is able to scan QR codes from screenshots, so you don't have to be physically present when you exchange codes. This can be useful if you do not know your own phone number.
Since this is still a beta feature, things can still change, of course. But it seems that WhatsApp now has the basics and will continue to build on it. Perhaps something will be done to the interface before the release, but we don't think so. It is not yet certain when that release will take place. The communications service has not disclosed anything about this. It seems that WhatsApp has found a quick way to share contact information with this method. And in times of social distancing, that's a great option to have.
