WhatsApp rolls out Protect IP address feature: What is it and how to enable it

Recently, it was reported that

WhatsApp

is working on a a new

privacy feature

which will safeguard users’ IP addresses during calls. The Meta-owned app has now started rolling out the feature which will protect the

IP address

of WhatsApp user during calls.
Most calling products people use today have peer-to-peer connections between participants. This direct connection allows for faster data transfers and better

call quality

, but it also means that participants need to know each other’s IP addresses so that call data packets can be delivered to the correct device – meaning that the IP addresses are visible to both callers on a 1:1 call.

IP addresses may contain information that some of our most privacy-conscious users are mindful of, such as broad geographical location or internet provider. In order to address this issue, WhatsApp has introduced a new privacy feature which will protect your IP address during calls.
With this feature enabled, all your calls will be relayed through WhatsApp’s servers, ensuring that other parties in the call cannot see your IP address and subsequently deduce your general geographical location. This new feature provides an additional layer of privacy and security particularly geared towards our most privacy-conscious users.

How to enable Protect IP address in calls feature on WhatsApp

Please note that enabling this feature may slightly affect the quality of your calls. This is because your calls will be routed through WhatsApp servers instead of directly between your devices.