WhatsApp is rolling out a new Contacts tab to selected Android beta users in November 2026. The feature replaces the Communities tab in the bottom navigation bar and gives users easier access to saved contacts. It also helps users find people who are online, organize their contacts and start conversations without searching through existing chats.
The new feature appears in WhatsApp Android beta version 2.26.45.2 through the Google Play Store. WhatsApp aims to make contact management simpler by bringing online status, Favorites and sorting options into one section. The company has started a gradual rollout, with more beta testers expected to receive access over the coming weeks.
The biggest change involves how WhatsApp displays and organizes saved contacts. The Favorites section appears first, keeping frequently contacted people within easy reach. The remaining contacts appear below, with three sorting options for better organization.
Users can arrange the list alphabetically, by birthdays or by activity. The activity option brings online contacts to the top of the list. A green dot next to a profile picture indicates when someone is online. For offline contacts, WhatsApp can display last seen information when privacy settings allow it.
The new Contacts tab also includes tools for adding people directly. A floating button in the bottom corner opens the new contact screen. Users can enter a first name, last name, username and phone number. WhatsApp can also sync contacts with phone numbers to the device address book.
Another addition is a shortcut for opening conversations with Meta AI. The tab also provides invite links for sharing WhatsApp with people across other apps. Users can even invite their Instagram followers to start conversations on WhatsApp.
Communities will remain available despite the navigation change. WhatsApp already offers a Communities filter inside the Chats section. This gives users another way to access communities without needing a separate bottom navigation tab.
Privacy settings will continue to control online and last seen visibility. The activity details of contacts who hide this information will remain unavailable. This means the new feature will follow existing WhatsApp privacy controls.
The rollout currently covers selected Android beta testers through the Google Play Store. WhatsApp has not announced a stable release date for all Android users. More beta accounts should receive the Contacts tab over the coming weeks.
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