WhatsApp gains username protection with special access key
WhatsApp, Meta’s messaging app, introduced an important feature that allows users to reserve usernames, similar to what already occurs on other social platforms. This new feature has sparked discussions about privacy, as it will be possible to locate and start conversations with other people just by name, without the need for their phone number.
Accompanying this update, Mark Zuckerberg’s company also implemented username keys. These keys work like passwords and become essential for sending the first message to someone using the new identification system. The measure aims to add an extra layer of security and control.
Understand how the new access keys work on WhatsApp
On the same topic: WhatsApp launches feature to protect username against unwanted access
WhatsApp usernames resemble the logic employed by applications such as Instagram, TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), and serve as a replacement for traditional telephone numbers. To initiate contact, you must type the person’s exact “@”.
For example, if a user registers the name “canaltech123”, a search for “canaltech12” in the application will not result in any similar profile suggestions, ensuring location accuracy.
Learn more: WhatsApp releases username reservation; learn how to protect your account and avoid unwanted messages
An additional layer of privacy has been introduced with access keys. They are designed to prevent unwanted individuals from sending messages, even if they happen to discover your username on another social network and it is the same one used on WhatsApp. This functionality is crucial to maintaining user security and autonomy over their contacts.
With the implementation of these “passwords”, it is essential not only to find the person’s precise username, but also to enter a four-digit PIN code to be able to start a new conversation in the application.
Meta generates these passwords randomly, meaning users cannot choose their own numbers. However, it is possible to generate new keys as many times as necessary, until a satisfactory four-digit combination is found.
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After sharing a key so that someone can make the first contact, the user has the freedom to create a new one, preventing the previous key from continuing to be used by other people or being improperly shared.
It is essential to highlight that these access keys are exclusive to usernames. To date, there is no feature available to password protect conversations that are initiated directly from phone numbers.
See how to set up a protection key for your username in the app
To add a passkey to your username and increase security, follow the steps below:
- Open WhatsApp on your mobile device and access the “Settings” section.
- Tap the “Account” option.
- Select the “Username” field.
- Enter “Contact me by username”.
- Select the alternative “People who know my key”.
A key will be automatically generated when the option is selected. If you want a different combination, simply tap “Username Key” and then select “Generate Another Key” to get a new one.
Learn more: WhatsApp makes usernames available in beta phase for greater privacy of phone numbers
When will the username functionality be fully active for everyone?
Currently, WhatsApp only offers username reservation functionality, given the high demand and so that users have time to define the “@” they prefer. This initial step is essential to organize the availability of identifiers.
Meta reported that the usernames will be fully activated and will come into effective use in the coming months. Users will be notified via an in-app notice when “everything is ready” to fully utilize the tool. Although the company allows the use of the same profile names that already exist on Facebook and Instagram, experts warn of a possible additional risk to privacy if users opt for this integration.
