Usernames will use lowercase letters, numbers, underscores, and periods.
A username availability checker is also in development for WhatsApp Web.
No confirmed release date yet, but rollout is expected in the coming weeks.
WhatsApp, which is known for consistently releasing new features and updates to its millions of active users, is reportedly working on a new privacy feature. This new feature has the potential to transform how users interact with one another. According to WaBetaInfo, the platform is currently working on introducing usernames, which will allow users to message each other without revealing their personal phone numbers.
The feature is currently being developed and will benefit users who frequently join group chats or communicate with unknown numbers but want to keep their personal information private. This comes after a report hinted that WhatsApp is developing a new feature similar to Telegram or Instagram that will soon allow users to create specific usernames through which others can initiate conversations. With this new feature, the company hopes to provide more anonymity and privacy to its users.
According to the report, users will be required to set their usernames under a few conditions. The username must contain at least one letter and should not begin with www. Users will only be able to use lowercase letters, numbers, underscores, and periods.
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In addition, the Meta-owned instant messaging platform is developing a username availability checker, which will most likely be released first on WhatsApp Web. When users create their specific username, they will be given an option. Furthermore, changing the username will alert your contacts.
There is no confirmed release date for the rollout timeline. According to the report, the update is nearing completion of testing and will be made available to users in the coming weeks. However, it is unclear whether the feature will allow users to hide their phone numbers from contacts or not. For new connections, only the usernames will be displayed.
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Ashish Singh
Ashish Singh is the Chief Copy Editor at Digit. He's been wrangling tech jargon since 2020 (Times Internet, Jagran English '22). When not policing commas, he's likely fueling his gadget habit with coffee, strategising his next virtual race, or plotting a road trip to test the latest in-car tech. He speaks fluent Geek. View Full Profile
