WhatsApp is working on a username feature
So you can create connections without revealing your phone number.
If you've ever hesitated to share your phone number on WhatsApp, you're not alone. For years, users have had to disclose personal digits just to start a chat, a practice that raised privacy concerns and opened doors to spam and scams. Now, WhatsApp is reportedly addressing this issue by introducing a long-awaited feature: usernames.
Currently in development, this feature allows users to create unique handles, enabling connections without revealing phone numbers. This approach mirrors platforms like Telegram and Signal, which have long offered similar privacy-focused options.
By adopting usernames, WhatsApp aims to enhance user privacy and control over personal information. In addition to enhancing user privacy, this feature will build upon WhatsApp's move to make messaging people without saving contacts easier.
Emmanuel Oyedeji
Initially, the only way to message someone on WhatsApp is by saving their contact on your device, which has always felt a little invasive. But over the past few years, WhatsApp has been moving toward a more flexible, less phone-number-obsessed messaging model.
First came Click to Chat, which let you start a conversation via a link without saving the person’s number. Then came QR codes, allowing you to scan and connect instantly.
Meanwhile, workarounds like messaging yourself a number and clicking on a contact number in WhatsApp Groups only added another layer of complexity. And now we will soon have the username feature, eliminating the need for a phone number when connecting with other users.
However, according to reports, the proposed username system comes with strict formatting rules to ensure both consistency and security. Handles must be created in lowercase letters, and can include numbers, periods, and underscores.
Additionally, to avoid users mimicking official websites, usernames can’t start with “www.”, and can’t end in domain-like formats such as “.com”. Each username must also contain between 3 and 30 characters.
Don't get it twisted, though, you will still need your phone number to register on WhatsApp. But reports say your phone number won't appear on your profile when you share your username with someone else.
Unfortunately, there’s no official release date for the feature. Hopefully, it doesn't take too long.
Loy Okezie
