WhatsApp usernames will stop people from sharing their phone number with strangers and use this safer option for chatting.
WhatsApp uses numbers to let you chat with other people but that will finally change as the messaging app finally brings support for usernames. We have heard about the feature for a few years now but once again WaBetaInfo claims the platform is developing the tool internally which could give a big privacy boost for its users.
The tests are being done on the WhatsApp beta app for iOS devices and it won’t be long before the Android version also sees some changes in this regard.
Usernames For WhatsApp: Much Needed
Bringing usernames will stop people from sharing their number with strangers, which has been a big privacy issue for years. Usernames can be defined by the user so that they can have a unique identity that can be freely shared with people and not worry about their phone number leaking in the public.
These changes will be important for people in WhatsApp groups and other chats that you have with businesses and other platforms. The first instance of usernames on WhatsApp being mentioned was back in 2023 and it seems we are finally getting a move on.
Having said that, the tipster suggests WhatsApp will have some rules for how the usernames are created and used on the app. The messaging platform is expected to advise users to set up a username that has at least one letter along with numbers and symbols. For some reason, WhatsApp is telling people that the username cannot start with ‘www.’ and you will be verified for the username, to know if that ID is available or already in use.
WhatsApp could add the option of editing the username and also make it available on the WhatsApp web version in the near future. So, when do we see usernames on WhatsApp become official? There is clearly no date given as of today but expect some update from the company in the next few weeks or months.
WhatsApp did finally launch on iPad after 15 years of giving it a miss so username will be another valuable addition to billions of users.
