WhatsApp announced the addition of usernames, a feature that will allow sharing a profile without revealing the phone number. The tool will start with a reservation phase and will be officially implemented this year.
The Meta app will still require a phone number to create an account, but users will be able to identify themselves with a username to start conversations without exposing that personal data.
WhatsApp announced the addition of usernames
How usernames will work on WhatsApp
From now on, WhatsApp will allow users to reserve usernames before the official launch of the feature.
Each user can choose an identifier between 3 and 35 characters. The company indicated that it will reserve certain names for celebrities, organizations, and other notable accounts.
Outside of those cases, any name can be used as long as it complies with the platform's policies.
How to reserve a username on WhatsApp
When the feature becomes available in each country, users will receive a notification within the app.
They will then need to go to Settings > Account > Username to select the identifier they wish to use.
How to reserve a username on WhatsApp
Additionally, WhatsApp will offer the option to set a username key, which others will need to know in order to start a conversation.
What will happen to the phone number
The addition of usernames does not replace the phone number as a requirement to create an account.
As explained by Meta, the feature aims to provide greater privacy by allowing users to share their profile without revealing their number in an initial contact.
What will happen to the phone number
Alice Newton-Rex, Vice President and Head of Product at WhatsApp, stated that sharing a phone number can represent an important step when getting to know someone and that usernames were designed to offer greater control over that information.
Usernames will not be searchable within the app
Meta confirmed that usernames will not be visible through a search function within WhatsApp.
Usernames will not be searchable within the app
Only those who know the exact username will be able to start a conversation. Additionally, users will be able to modify it or deactivate this feature whenever they wish.
During the first phase, the username will need to be shared in writing or verbally, as there will be no option to use QR codes without the phone number.
