WhatsApp is testing a new feature that mirrors Instagram’s username system, allowing users to connect without sharing their phone numbers. This functionality is now accessible to select beta testers and is intended to be rolled out globally, with an emphasis on improved privacy and security features. This update represents a significant shift in how users can interact on the platform.
WhatsApp is working on a feature that would allow users to reserve their favourite username before the official release, which will be accessible in a future version. WhatsApp’s revolutionary upgrade, which is owned by Meta, has been under development for quite some time and was recently discovered in the most current Android beta version (2.25.28.12).
This feature improves user privacy by providing more control over interaction via usernames. Users may create a username key, which adds an extra degree of protection by preventing others from texting them unless they also have the key. The activation procedure begins with selecting a username, which protects the user’s phone number from potential disclosure.
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This feature varies from the full username system in that it simply allows for reservation and does not provide full access to all username functionality. WhatsApp is gradually offering new features for testing in order to improve reliability and reduce difficulties before the final launch.
WABetaInfo screenshots show that WhatsApp has established particular standards for establishing usernames. To avoid misunderstanding with online links, the first word must not be “www.” Also, they have at least one letter. In addition to this, numbers and underscores can be used in addition to the alphabet.
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By introducing username reservation, WhatsApp encourages fairness among its users by giving them an equal opportunity to claim preferred usernames. This feature is planned to be rolled out to a larger user base faster than the full username functionality. Such an approach allows WhatsApp to successfully manage user demand while reducing the possibility of a few beta users monopolising popular usernames.