Users will soon be able to create usernames on WhatsApp without needing their phone numbers

WhatsApp, the world’s leading messaging app, is developing a feature that will significantly alter its core functionality. Traditionally, WhatsApp has required users to exchange contact numbers, but this will soon change. According to a report by WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is working on a feature allowing users to create unique usernames for their profiles, enabling them to chat with others without sharing phone numbers. At first, this feature will be accessible solely to users of WhatsApp Web. The feature is still in development, with WhatsApp continuously refining its design. Recent updates to WhatsApp Web highlight a new interface, showcasing the company’s commitment to perfecting this feature before its release.

The upcoming feature will allow users to create a unique username, similar to other social media platforms. Users can choose a desired username, provided it is not already taken, and this will be their distinctive identifier on WhatsApp. Unlike platforms like Discord, WhatsApp usernames will not include discriminators or tags, ensuring each username is one-of-a-kind and preventing confusion or duplication.

During the setup process, users will select a unique username, which will enhance privacy and streamline the process of connecting with others. This allows users to establish a personalized online presence without sharing their phone numbers. People who already have your phone number will still be able to find and contact you on WhatsApp, ensuring that existing contacts can reach you. However, having a username adds an extra layer of privacy, as only those who know either your username or phone number can initiate conversations with you. This feature provides users with more control over who can contact them and protects their personal information.

WhatsApp has been discussing this feature for some time, and it remains in development. Specific details about its release date and availability are still uncertain. Before being officially released, the product is going through a rigorous testing and refinement process to make sure it matches WhatsApp’s high standards and provides a seamless, secure, and error-free experience. As a result, the precise release date for the functionality is still unknown.