After months of testing, Android phone and iPhone users are getting a much-requested feature as WhatsApp has finally started rolling out username support in the app. However, only a limited number of users will have access to it at the moment, meaning it’s a phased rollout. The feature apparently allows users to converse without sharing their phone numbers.
WhatsApp is finally rolling out username support
As spotted by WaBetaInfo, WhatsApp is rolling out username support in a phased manner to a limited number of users with the latest beta updates on Android and iOS. That said, the feature apparently won’t appear in your app until your account gets access to it. You can check whether it’s available to you from WhatsApp > Settings > Profile, where a username field will be present.
If the option is available, you can tap on it to create your username. Once you set a desired name, it links to the account. You can then share your username with others instead of your phone number. This way, you can connect and interact more privately. Having said that, it appears a phone number is still required to use the messaging app in the first place.
Not available to everyone yet
WhatsApp apparently has a set of restrictions on usernames. Firstly, usernames cannot start with “www” as this may lead users to think they’re interacting with a website. Similarly, usernames also cannot end with a domain (like .com or .net). Usernames can consist of lowercase letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. It must include at least one letter character. Lastly, usernames can be between 3 and 35 characters.
The WaBetaInfo report notes that the username must be available across Meta platforms for users to use. If a username is already taken on Instagram and Facebook, users will need to confirm that they’re the owner of that username on those platforms before using it on WhatsApp.
Additionally, the messaging app will also offer an optional “username key” feature. This is a 4-digit code that you need to send messages to a new username. This apparently adds a new layer of control and privacy, making it easier to limit messages and calls to trusted users.
The post Chat Privately: WhatsApp Username Hides Your Phone Number appeared first on Android Headlines.
