WhatsApp launches new reminders and privacy features in South Africa

WhatsApp is enhancing its service for millions of South African users with the introduction of several highly requested features designed to make the app more practical and secure. As one of the country’s most widely used communication tools, WhatsApp continues to evolve, ensuring it remains an essential part of daily life for both personal and business users. The latest update focuses on improving message management, boosting privacy, and simplifying account customisation.

One of the standout features now being tested is the ability to set reminders for specific messages and missed calls directly within chats. Instead of relying on third-party reminder apps or manually keeping track of important messages, users can simply flag a message and select when they’d like to be reminded about it. Options include preset intervals, such as one hour or one day later, or choosing a specific date and time. This feature is particularly useful for remembering to reply to important messages, follow up on work-related discussions, or return calls that might otherwise be forgotten in the rush of daily conversations. All reminder data is stored securely on the device itself, remaining fully encrypted to preserve user privacy.

Another notable development is the trial of a new security measure called the “username key”. This feature is designed to reduce unwanted messages from strangers and increase control over who can make first contact. When this feature is enabled, anyone attempting to send a message to a user for the first time must enter a unique security code provided by that user. This approach goes beyond WhatsApp’s existing username function, making it harder for unsolicited contacts to spam or harass users while allowing people to connect without revealing their phone numbers. Privacy advocates have praised this as a step forward in combating unwanted communication and enhancing safety on the platform.

In addition to these privacy and reminder features, WhatsApp is introducing a simpler way for users to personalise their profiles. A new integration with Instagram allows users to import their profile picture from their Instagram account with just one tap. This small but handy addition saves time and creates a more seamless experience for people who use both apps regularly.

These updates come as WhatsApp maintains a dominant position in South Africa’s digital landscape, where it is estimated that around 28 to 29 million people actively use the app. Studies suggest that roughly 94% of the country’s internet users rely on WhatsApp as their primary messaging platform, making it a vital part of both social and business communication. With such a large user base, updates that improve efficiency and strengthen security are likely to have a significant impact on how people connect and share information.

While WhatsApp has not officially confirmed when all users will gain access to these new features, reports from beta testers on Android and iOS indicate that the rollout has already begun for select accounts. The company typically introduces updates gradually, gathering user feedback to refine the experience before expanding availability to a wider audience. Industry watchers expect a full public release in the coming weeks, provided testing runs smoothly.

As smartphone adoption continues to grow across South Africa and data-conscious communication remains a priority, these enhancements are expected to make everyday use of WhatsApp even more reliable and private. By introducing on-device reminders, advanced security controls, and quicker profile setup options, WhatsApp is once again adapting to user needs while maintaining its commitment to privacy and end-to-end encryption. If these features prove successful in early trials, they could soon become standard tools for millions of users across the country.