Dhaka: WhatsApp is set to introduce a username feature that will allow users to communicate without sharing their phone numbers. Under the new feature, users will be able to create and share unique usernames, similar to handles used on Telegram and Instagram. When someone contacts a user through a username, only the handle will be visible instead of the phone number.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the username feature will be optional, allowing users to continue using WhatsApp in the current way if they choose. Each account will be allowed to have one username, which can later be changed without affecting chats or account settings. However, phone numbers will still remain linked to accounts for login and recovery purposes, though they will stay hidden from users contacting through usernames.
The process to set a WhatsApp username involves opening the app on an Android phone or iPhone, navigating to the Settings menu, and selecting the Username option in the profile settings. Users can then enter a username that meets specific criteria, including being between 3 and 35 characters long and containing only letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. The username cannot begin with "www", start or end with a period, contain two periods in a row, or end with domain extensions like .com.
This feature will be particularly beneficial for users who frequently interact with individuals they do not know personally, such as buyers and sellers, community members, or new contacts. Instead of sharing their personal phone numbers, users can simply provide their usernames.
WhatsApp has begun rolling out the username feature to select Android and iOS users. Once available, users will be able to choose whether they want others to find them via their phone number, username, or both.