WhatsApp has rolled out a new privacy feature that allows users to hide their IP addresses when making calls through the encrypted messaging app.
Previously, one-to-one calls on WhatsApp were established as direct peer-to-peer connections between users. While this method ensured optimal voice quality, it also meant that the connected devices had to expose their IP addresses to each other.
To address this privacy concern, WhatsApp has implemented a new approach that routes all calls through its servers, effectively masking the users’ IP addresses and obscuring their locations.
Despite this relaying process, all calls remain end-to-end encrypted, ensuring that no one, including WhatsApp itself, can eavesdrop on the conversations.
WhatsApp acknowledges that using the call relay privacy setting may slightly compromise call quality.
How to hide IP address during calls in WhatsApp
However, if privacy is a priority, users can enable the feature by following these steps:
- Update to the latest version of WhatsApp.
- Open WhatsApp and tap Settings.
- Select Privacy.
- Tap Advanced.
- Toggle on the switch next to Protect IP address in calls.
It’s important to note that group calls on WhatsApp are automatically relayed through the company’s servers by default, eliminating the need to enable this setting specifically for group conversations.
Related:
- WhatsApp head confirms in-app ads are still in the works
- WhatsApp Native App For Mac Now Available Via App Store Globally
- WhatsApp’s New Email Verification Feature: A Step Forward for Privacy or Security Risk?
- Separating Work and Personal Life with WhatsApp’s Latest Alternate Profile Feature
- WhatsApp Windows beta now allows opening chats with unknown contacts
(via)
