Highlights

• WhatsApp is testing a feature in its beta version allowing users to turn off their camera before answering video calls.
• The option to “Turn off your video” will allow calls to switch to voice-only mode before being answered/
• This feature is useful for avoiding visibility during video calls from unknown numbers or when users can’t turn on their camera.

WhatsApp video calls have come a long way, evolving from simple one-on-one chats to supporting group calls with up to 32 people. It’s widely used for both personal and professional conversations, and now, WhatsApp might be working on a new feature to give users more control over their privacy during video calls. Here’s what we know so far.

New Video Call Privacy Feature

According to a recent report by Android Authority, a new option has been spotted in WhatsApp’s beta version 2.25.7.3 for Android, which allows users to turn off their camera before answering an incoming video call. Currently, WhatsApp automatically opens the front camera when a user receives a video call, even showing a preview while the phone is ringing.

The new feature introduces an option labeled “Turn off your video.” If a user taps this before answering, the call will switch to voice-only mode. WhatsApp will then display another option that says “Accept without video.”

As of now, users can only disable video after answering a call, but this update would let them do it beforehand.

This feature could be particularly useful for protecting privacy, especially when receiving video calls from unknown numbers. While it’s always best to avoid answering calls from strangers, this added control ensures that users are not immediately visible if they do choose to pick up.

It could also come in handy for situations where a user isn’t in a position to turn on their camera, even when receiving calls from known contacts.

For those who want to avoid unwanted calls altogether, WhatsApp already offers an option to silence calls from unknown numbers. The calls still appear in the call log, but users don’t have to deal with the interruption.

FAQs

Q1. What new feature is WhatsApp testing in its beta version?

Answer. WhatsApp is testing a feature that allows users to turn off their camera before answering incoming video calls, enhancing privacy control.

Q2. How does the “Turn off your video” option work in WhatsApp video calls?

Answer. The “Turn off your video” option lets users switch to voice-only mode before answering a video call, preventing the automatic activation of the front camera.

Q3. What are the privacy benefits of the new WhatsApp video call privacy feature?

Answer. This feature is useful for avoiding visibility during video calls from unknown numbers or in situations where users can’t turn on their camera, offering added control over privacy.

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