WhatsApp is gearing up to launch a highly anticipated feature that aims to enhance user privacy: usernames. This innovative update will allow users to connect with friends and family without the need to share their actual phone numbers. The feature was recently uncovered by WABetaInfo, a reliable source for WhatsApp news, in a TestFlight beta version of the app, indicating that WhatsApp is diligently working on this new functionality.
With this upcoming feature, users will finally have the ability to select a unique username, similar to what is offered by other modern messaging platforms like Telegram and Signal. Although the feature is not yet available for beta testers, WABetaInfo has identified strings within the app that confirm WhatsApp's commitment to developing the interface and guidelines surrounding the new username system.
The username system appears to be specifically designed to prioritize phone number privacy. Once the feature is launched, individuals who wish to contact you without having your phone number will see your username by default. This change is expected to create a more secure environment for users while making it easier to connect without revealing personal information.
WhatsApp has established several rules regarding usernames to ensure consistency and clarity. For instance, usernames cannot begin with “www.,” as this may lead users to believe they are interacting with an official website. Additionally, each username must contain at least one letter, preventing the use of usernames that consist solely of numbers or symbols. The allowed characters include lowercase letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), periods, and underscores. This structured approach is designed to maintain a clean and predictable username format across the platform.
Once a valid username is selected, users will be greeted with a cheerful confetti animation to confirm their choice. Following this, the username will appear in conversations and group chats in place of the user's phone number, further enhancing privacy.
Additionally, if users decide to change their username at any point, WhatsApp plans to notify other participants in chats with a system message, similar to the notifications currently sent for profile photo or phone number changes. This ensures that all contacts are aware of any updates made to usernames.
In a bid to streamline the username selection process, WhatsApp is also working on a future update for its web version. This update will allow users to check the availability of their desired usernames, making the selection process more efficient and user-friendly.
As of now, WhatsApp has not announced a specific launch date for the username feature. However, the ongoing development and beta testing show promising signs that users may soon be able to enjoy this enhanced privacy option. Stay tuned for further updates as WhatsApp continues to innovate and improve the user experience.
