Meta-owned popular messaging app, WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new feature that will allow users to setup a username.
When using WhatsApp, you register with your phone number, and others in your chats identify you by your contact name. However, it appears that this may soon change, as WhatsApp is reportedly working on introducing username support—a potentially significant addition among the various new features being developed by the Meta-owned messaging platform.
According to a screenshot shared by WABetaInfo, WhatsApp will allow users to choose a unique username from the Profile section within the app. Currently, you must share your phone number with anyone who wants to message you on WhatsApp, which poses privacy and security concerns. However, once username support becomes available, this obstacle should no longer exist. Instead, you can simply share your unique user ID with others, enabling them to reach out to you.
The introduction of usernames is expected to improve group chats, especially when engaging with individuals you are less familiar with, as usernames tend to be more memorable. However, it remains unclear how extensively Meta plans to implement username support on WhatsApp and whether it will enable users to discover and connect with you based on your unique user ID.
Moreover, there is no confirmation yet on whether WhatsApp will offer an option to hide your username from the public, ensuring privacy protection. As the feature is still in the early stages of development, it was spotted in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.23.11.15. However, even if you are using the same build, the option may not be visible to you due to server-side updates.
As time goes on, more information about WhatsApp's user ID implementation is expected to emerge. Whenever username support finally arrives on the Meta-owned messaging service, it will undoubtedly bring significant changes to how you communicate within groups and Communities.