WhatsApp users will be able to share files without internet

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

WhatsApp is working on a way to share encrypted files with nearby users without needing an internet connection. The AirDrop-like feature has shown up in the beta app, showing it is nearly ready for release.

Meta is always looking to add new features to its popular instant messaging application, WhatsApp. In recent months, the app added Meta AI, Passkey, a custom sticker generator, and self-destructing voice messages.

We’ve seen reports of the AirDrop-esque file-sharing feature before, but this is the first time we’ve seen screenshots inside the app showing the necessary permissions.

The folks at WABetaInfo have shared screenshots from WhatsApp Android beta version 2.24.9.22.

They show that the platform is working on a new method for sharing photos, videos, documents, and other files with nearby WhatsApp users, even without cellular or internet data.

Sharing files to get easier soon for WhatsApp users

Based on the screenshot, you must be near other WhatsApp users for the new feature to work. 

After the app finds the other user, they can share or receive files through a locally-created network. 

Interestingly, users also have the option to revoke these permissions at any time, likely for security reasons. 

Like all WhatsApp messages, the file sharing is also end-to-end encrypted, and your phone numbers will not be disclosed. 

In addition, WABetaInfo has shared that WhatsApp is working on another feature that allows users to add notes to contacts. 

The outlet retrieved the details from the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.9.17, which showcases a new feature that opens a notes field on the contacts field. 

It will allow users to add helpful information about the contact; only the user can see them. 

Besides the WhatsApp mobile app, this feature will also be available on WhatsApp’s webapp.

That said, we are unsure if/when these features will roll out publicly. These are currently in the beta phase, and if users find them useful, they will soon be part of a future update.

Use WhatsApp? Think this is a handy feature or a security nightmare, just like AirDrop? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Apple announces “Let Loose” event for May 7
• The best video game remakes
• A Google smartwatch appears at FCC, likely the Pixel Watch 2a
• Former Stardew Valley dev teases further progress on Sunkissed City