WhatsApp now utilizes numbers to facilitate conversations, but this will soon change when the messaging service adds support for usernames. We’ve been hearing about the feature for a few years, but according to WaBetaInfo, the platform is working on the tool internally, which might significantly improve user privacy.
The WhatsApp beta software for iOS devices is already undergoing testing, and it won’t be long until the Android version undergoes some adjustments as well.
Importantly needed WhatsApp usernames
Having usernames would prevent users from disclosing their phone numbers to others, which has long been a major privacy concern. Users may create their own usernames to give themselves a distinctive identity so that they can freely communicate with others without worrying about their phone number being leaked to the public.
People in WhatsApp groups and other conversations you have with companies and other platforms will find these changes to be significant. WhatsApp usernames were initially discussed in 2023, and it seems like things are finally moving forward.
However, according to the source, WhatsApp will have guidelines regarding the creation and use of usernames on the service. Users should be advised by the messaging platform to create a username that consists of at least one letter, digit, and symbol. WhatsApp is stating that usernames cannot begin with “www.” for some reason and that you will be contacted to verify if the ID is currently in use or available.
In the near future, WhatsApp may include the ability to change the username and make it accessible on the online version of the app. When will WhatsApp usernames become official, then? As of right now, no timeframe has been specified, but the corporation should provide an update in the next weeks or months.
After 15 years of neglecting it, WhatsApp finally launched on the iPad, so usernames will be another useful addition for its billions of users.
