WhatsApp is bringing usernames (e.g. @innovationvillage) to its app

WhatsApp, the popular messaging app owned by Meta, is reportedly working on a new feature that will allow users to identify contacts using usernames instead of just phone numbers. The news was revealed by WABetaInfo, a reliable source for WhatsApp updates, stating that the feature is currently under development and not yet ready for beta testers.

This potential update could bring significant changes to how people connect on WhatsApp and enhance privacy. Instead of sharing personal phone numbers or QR codes to start a chat, users may simply need to provide their chosen username. It’s worth noting that end-to-end encryption is said to remain intact for conversations initiated through usernames.

If released, the new feature will be accessible through the app’s settings, specifically in a dedicated section within WhatsApp Settings > Profile. This additional layer of privacy will allow users to safeguard their accounts further.

Since the feature is still in the development phase, it is too early to fully grasp how usernames will function on WhatsApp. They might enable private communication with businesses, protecting users’ phone numbers, or have broader usage, facilitating private conversations with any user.

The ability to set up a WhatsApp username will be released to beta testers in a future update of the app. The specific release date for this feature has not been announced yet.

WhatsApp recently introduced other highly anticipated features, such as message editing. Users can now modify a message within 15 minutes of sending it, with an “edited” label appearing next to the timestamp. Additionally, the Meta-owned app introduced “Chat Lock” just last week, which allows users to secure specific one-on-one or group chats with a password or biometric authentication, preventing message notifications from appearing.