WhatsApp has begun rolling out several new features to South African users, aiming to boost convenience and privacy. The Meta-owned platform now allows people to set notification reminders for individual messages and missed calls directly within chats.
Users can flag a message or missed call and choose to be reminded at preset intervals or at a specific date and time, ensuring important conversations and calls do not slip through the cracks.
In addition, WhatsApp is testing a username key feature that requires first-time contacts to enter a secret code before sending a message.
This gives users greater control over who can reach them without sharing their phone numbers. The username key builds on existing username functionality to prevent unsolicited messages from strangers MyBroadband .
Another tool now available is the ability to import profile pictures from Instagram. This simplifies profile setup by letting users pull in their Instagram avatar rather than manually uploading a new image.