New WhatsApp feature lets friends know if you're changing numbers
What's the story
WhatsApp has launched a new 'Change Number' feature on the latest beta version of its Android app. It allows users to easily notify their friends that they have migrated to another number on WhatsApp. To get your hands on the feature, you can download WhatsApp beta version 2.18.97 from the Google Play Store or sideload its APK file on compatible devices.
Details
Choose who you want to inform about phone number migration
You can choose whom do you want to notify about having changed your number, all contacts, contacts currently in your chat window, or only particular people. Go to WhatsApp Settings > Account > Change number. Enter your old and new phone numbers, enable 'Notify My Contacts,' and choose between the aforementioned options. All your chat groups will be notified regardless of what you choose.
Context
It's an extension of the original Change Number feature
This is an extension of the original Change Number feature that allows users to migrate their account information and settings from one number to another without losing any chat history. WhatsApp always automatically notifies current chat groups about number migration so that users don't have to join them again. The new add-on provides more control to the user.
Information
The feature might come to iOS and Windows devices soon
The new feature also lets users know the number of contacts who will be notified of the change in phone number. Rolling out through a server-side update, the feature is also expected to soon launch on iOS and Windows devices.