WhatsApp will Soon Let You Reserve a Username

WhatsApp is introducing a new feature that allows users to reserve a unique username to serve as their handle within the messaging service. This marks a shift from the traditional use of phone numbers as primary identifiers.

Wabetainfo, known for delving into WhatsApp’s code, has discovered evidence of this upcoming feature in the latest beta version for Android. Users will be able to secure a username before the new identification system is implemented, aiming to prevent username hoarding by certain individuals.

Wabetainfo

Why use a username?

Utilizing a username instead of a phone number enhances privacy by keeping personal information hidden from strangers. It also adds an extra layer of security, requiring both a username and a key for contact initiation.

The ‘Reserve username’ option is already visible in the WhatsApp Profile page within the beta build, indicating an imminent rollout to regular users. The implementation of this feature should not pose significant technical challenges.

Once WhatsApp incorporates usernames into profiles, it will join other messaging platforms like Signal and Telegram that have long offered this functionality. This positive development contrasts recent controversial news surrounding ad integration and AI message monitoring by Meta.