WhatsApp Rolls Out Smart Text Recognition Feature for Android and iOS
WhatsApp has rolled out a smart text recognition feature for Android and iOS, automatically detecting dates, addresses, and phone numbers locally on the device while preserving end-to-end encryption.
WhatsApp has introduced a new smart text recognition feature for Android and iOS users, designed to eliminate the tedious process of copying and pasting information into external applications.
The system automatically scans messages in chats and groups to detect familiar text patterns, including phone numbers, dates, times, physical addresses, and email addresses. When such text is identified, WhatsApp marks it with a dashed underline. A quick tap on the highlighted text opens a contextual pop-up menu displaying relevant shortcuts, along with the exact extracted text at the top to ensure accuracy.
Contextual Shortcuts and On-Device Processing
The actions presented in the menu vary based on the specific type of information detected. For dates and times, the system offers options to add the event to a calendar or create an internal app event. Tapping on a physical address enables direct opening in navigation apps like Google Maps, while an email address prompts a new message in the default mail client or allows direct copying. For phone numbers, users can initiate a direct call, add the contact to their address book, or view additional details if it is a WhatsApp Business account.
Addressing potential privacy concerns, WhatsApp emphasized that the entire text recognition process is performed locally on the user's device. Message contents are never transmitted to external servers at any stage, ensuring that end-to-end encryption remains fully intact. The feature is currently rolling out to users globally, including in Israel, and requires updating the application to the latest version.
