WhatsApp could soon allow people to add a username to their profile. The new feature was spotted in the beta version of WhatsApp for Android (v2.23.11.15) by WABetaInfo. A username on WhatsApp would work in a similar way as it does on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat. That means it will be a unique name linked to a single profile, and you will be able to use it to carry out multiple functions on the app.
With the help of this option, people could message you on WhatsApp by entering your username in the New Chat window rather than your phone number. That means you will no longer have to share your mobile number with someone to chat with them on the platform. The ability to do so will allow you to keep your mobile number private, which will enhance your privacy.
Typically, when you need to address someone in a group chat whose contact isn’t saved on your device, you have to enter their contact number followed by the @ symbol. With the new feature, you can address them using their username rather than their phone number, which is more convenient as usernames are generally more memorable than mobile numbers.
Since usernames are unique, you will have to claim the desired one as soon as the feature goes live. Because if you don’t, someone else may grab it, and then you’ll have to comprise by getting a username that has unwanted characters in it. Currently, there’s no info on when the feature will go live or if it will go live at all. But going by WhatsApp’s feature rollout history, you can expect the username to hit WhatsApp in the next couple of months.
