WhatsApp has been working on a new feature that will allow users to stop giving out their phone numbers to random people. Android users who have the beta version of WhatsApp have the option to share usernames instead of phone numbers to connect with people on WhatsApp. And now, WhatsApp web client users are getting the same option.
You will be able to have a username in the profile settings right under the name tab of the WhatsApp interface. The app clearly states in the image below that users will be able to locate and contact you without the need for your phone numbers. This privacy feature could be very attractive to existing WhatsApp users and attract new users to the WhatsApp platform.
WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world. However, a lot of people have been complaining about how easy it is to connect with someone through WhatsApp by just using their phone number. This is not a secure channel at all, especially when you do not want anyone to know your contact information. So, having a username is like a one-of-a-kind identifier. This is similar to what people had with BBM for Blackberry devices in the past.
You can create the username by putting the ‘@’ in front of the name you want to use on the messaging application. One of the best things about WhatsApp username is that it can be changed frequently. There is no limit to the number of times you can change the username, which ensures that people keep using it.
The beta version of usernames for Android users is available now. It is expected to be made available to all users in the next few weeks. WhatsApp has added a lot of new features in 2023, and we are expecting the same in 2024.