After a comprehensive testing period that began in April, the WhatsApp usernames feature is officially being made available to all users of the messaging app. This update represents an advance in the way people interact on the platform.
The functionality, already present in competitors like Telegram for many years, offers users the ability to communicate without the need to share their respective phone numbers. This feature adds a layer of security and convenience for those who want to maintain the privacy of personal contact.
The messaging platform reinforces that the phone number is private data and, sometimes, the intention is to establish contact without disclosing it. For this reason, the company is introducing WhatsApp usernames as an effective solution to this growing demand.
Starting this week, users can now secure a username for future use when the feature is fully rolled out later in the year. The process is quick, only requiring you to have the latest version of WhatsApp and access the `Settings`, `Account` and then `Username` options.
As communicated by the platform itself on the social network
To make the reservation, the procedure is simple: open the application, tap your avatar, select the `Account` option, then `Username` and follow the instructions presented on the screen. It is important to note that the username must contain between 3 and 35 characters to be validated.
WhatsApp highlights that using this new tool offers several significant benefits related to the privacy and security of user data, such as:
- Phone number protection:You can disclose your unique username instead of your phone number. There is no public directory or contact suggestions, which means people will need your exact username to find you. Changing your username can be done directly in the app at any time.
- Advance Warranty:Username reservations have started, allowing people to choose their preferred names before the global rollout. Users will be informed in the app as soon as reservations are available. The recommendation is to choose a name that is original and challenging to guess; If you need help, the platform offers a name generator.
- Enhanced Privacy:To manage who can message you, you can set up a “username key.” So anyone trying to send a message for the first time using your username will need this key to establish contact. This key can be changed whenever necessary.
- Defending your brand:Content creators, small businesses and organizations looking to use the same username across multiple platforms can easily reserve handles already used on Instagram or Facebook by integrating WhatsApp with Meta’s Account Center.
Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, will begin the gradual rollout of usernames over the next few months, notifying each user directly through the app when the functionality is activated for their account.
