WhatsApp has been working on several new features to enhance user experience, one of the most anticipated being the ability to mention contacts in status updates privately. This feature works similarly to tagging friends on Facebook or Instagram, allowing users to include specific contacts in their status without notifying everyone. The feature to mention contacts in WhatsApp Status privately, initially expected to roll out with the introduction of usernames, has made its debut in the latest WhatsApp beta earlier than expected.
According to WAbetaInfo, WhatsApp users will be able to include specific contacts while creating a status update. To safeguard user privacy, these mentions will remain invisible to other viewers of the status. However, the tagged contacts will promptly receive a notification, informing them they have been mentioned. In this article, we’ll show you how to privately mention contacts in WhatsApp Status and enjoy a more interactive messaging experience.
What is WhatsApp’s Private Mentions Feature?
WhatsApp has been working on a status mentions feature that allows users to directly notify specific contacts by mentioning them in their status updates. This feature ensures that the mentioned contacts are kept informed and engaged without revealing the mentions to other viewers.
While still in development, new details about this feature have surfaced. According to a recent WABetaInfo report, the latest WhatsApp beta for Android (version 2.24.20.3) from the Google Play Store reveals that WhatsApp is refining the mentions feature by adding the ability to view who has been mentioned.
Key Privacy Safeguards
WhatsApp has made user privacy a priority with this feature. Only the tagged person is notified when you mention someone in a WhatsApp status update. This means:
- No public visibility: Other viewers of your status won’t know who you’ve tagged.
- Direct notification: The mentioned contact will receive a direct notification informing them that they’ve been mentioned.
- No history tracking: Once the status disappears after 24 hours, the mention and related notifications are also removed.
How to Mention Contacts in WhatsApp Status Privately
To mention a contact, tap the “@” symbol in the “Add a Caption” field. The tagged contact will receive a notification in the chat. Even if the status privacy settings are restrictive, the tagged person could view and share the status updates. To mention contacts in your WhatsApp status privately, follow these simple steps:
- Go to the Updates page
- Tap My status to take a photo or select one from your gallery.
- Tap the @ icon in the text area.
- Search and select the contact you want to mention.
- Tap the checkmark to confirm and share your status.
To check whom you mention in the status: Only you can see whom you’ve mentioned in the status.
- Tap the 3-dots icon in the top right.
- Select View mentions
What Happens When Someone Mentions You on Their Status?
- You’ll receive a notification that you were mentioned privately in someone’s status.
- A private message will be sent to you in the chat with that person, notifying you of the mention.
- When you view the status, you’ll see a Mentioned Privately banner below the name of the person who shared it.
- You can edit and reshare the status with your contacts.
- When resharing, WhatsApp won’t reveal the name, phone number, or other details of the person who mentioned you to your audience.
Controlling Who Can Send You Mentions on WhatsApp
The mentions feature is designed to be private and secure. Only the mentioned contacts will be notified, and the mention won’t be visible to other users who view your status. You can control who can send you mentions on WhatsApp by:
- Block a contact to stop receiving status mentions from them.
- Archive or mute a chat if you don’t want to be notified when someone mentions you.
Note:
- Muting someone’s status will hide their updates, but they can still send you messages with mentions.
- Even if you’ve muted their status, you can still see your mentioned status in the Updates tab.
Why Use the Mentions Feature in WhatsApp Status?
Using the mentions feature in WhatsApp Status adds a personal and engaging touch to your updates. It allows you to draw attention to specific contacts, ensuring they don’t miss important or fun moments you share.
Reasons to Mention Contacts in WhatsApp Status:
- Highlight special people in your updates for birthdays, celebrations, or achievements.
- Ensure important messages reach the intended person directly.
- Add personalization to group events, shared experiences, or announcements.
WhatsApp Mentions: Availability and Future Updates
The mentions in status feature is currently rolling out in the latest WhatsApp beta version 2.24.20.3 and will soon be available to all users as part of a larger update, which may also introduce the much-anticipated usernames feature. As with other WhatsApp updates, this will likely roll out gradually, so keep an eye on the app store for the latest version. As of now, WhatsApp only allows you to mention 5 people at max.
Wrapping Up: Mention Someone in Your WhatsApp Status
The ability to mention contacts in WhatsApp Status privately is a fun and interactive way to engage with your friends and family. By simply typing “@” and selecting a contact, you can tag someone and ensure they don’t miss out on your latest updates. Whether you’re sharing a personal message, celebrating an event, or just having fun, this feature is bound to enhance your WhatsApp experience.
Stay updated by downloading the latest WhatsApp version and start using the mentions feature today!
