WhatsApp will soon allow you to add contacts using QR code: How this new feature might work

The instant messaging platform, WhatsApp might soon allow you to share profiles and contacts through specific QR codes. According to tipster WABetaInfo, the feature is being added in the latest as part of the latest beta version - WhatsApp beta 2.51.151. The feature was first reported last year in November and is likely to come as part of the new update along with the option to share WhatsApp status updates on Facebook. WhatsApp won't be the first app to add the QR code feature for sharing contact information. Job seeking platform LinkedIn already has a similar feature on its mobile app and Instagram too has a Nametag feature which allows users to share their profile with other users.

How WhatsApp's new feature will work?

Once the users tap on the QR code button, WhatsApp would show the QR code that would let other users add you to their contacts list. You will also be able to add the users by scanning their QR code through WhatsApp camera. The Facebook-owned platform might also provide a feature that allows users to revoke the QR code to let users disable the feature completely. 

Who will benefit from feature?

While the feature will benefit most users, it comes as a massive relief for WhatsApp Business users. The feature allows these users to share their QR codes directly on their websites and apps. However, it is still not clear when this feature will be made available for general use. 

Ability to share Status on Facebook

As mentioned, a new feature will allow users to share their Status update on Facebook, something they could already do for Instagram. WABetaInfo reported that a new Add to Facebook Story button would be added to the Status section to let users easily share their status updates to Facebook as a story. The feature will also be added to WhatsApp beta version 2.19.151 for Android. 

Earlier this year, Facebook was testing the feature to share Instagram Stories as WhatsApp Status updates. Meanwhile, Mark Zuckerberg had announced the plan of unify the messaging infrastructure of WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook Messenger.