WhatsApp Update: WhatsApp is bringing username feature soon. Now you will be able to chat without sharing your mobile number. Know how to reserve a username, its benefits and when will the new update be available?
WhatsApp Username Feature: There is great news for WhatsApp users. Now the day is not far when there will be no need to share your mobile number to talk to a new person. WhatsApp is bringing a feature that can make your privacy stronger than ever. The company has announced the Username Feature. With the help of this feature, users will be able to chat on WhatsApp even without revealing their mobile number. This means that now you will be identified not by your phone number but by your selected username. If you also use WhatsApp, then this update can prove to be very useful for you.
What is going to change in WhatsApp?
Till now, mobile number was required to start talking to someone on WhatsApp, but after the new update, users will be able to create a unique username and connect with people through that. Its biggest advantage will be that you will not need to give your personal number to everyone. Suppose you want to connect with a new classmate, business contact, neighbor or member of a group, you will now be able to start a conversation just by sharing your username.
Why is WhatsApp bringing Username feature?
The company says that its main objective is to increase the privacy of users. Many times people do not feel right in sharing their mobile number. In such a situation, the username system will give users more control over who can contact them. The most important thing is that WhatsApp does not want to make it a social media feature like Instagram or X (Twitter). That means there will be no public username directory. People won’t be able to find your username by searching. In order for someone to start chatting with you, they will need to know your correct username.
What is WhatsApp Username Key?
WhatsApp will not be limited to just username. The company is also bringing a new Username Key feature. Through this feature, users will be able to set an additional security code. If someone wants to message you using your username for the first time, he may have to enter this key as well. This can prevent unwanted messages and spam to a great extent.
How to reserve WhatsApp Username?
- Update WhatsApp to the latest version.
- Go to Settings.
- Tap on Account option.
- Select Username option.
- Enter your preferred username.
- If the username is available, confirm it.
Why not delay in reserving a username?
According to WhatsApp, Username will be unique. Meaning, the name which was taken by someone earlier, will not be available to the other user. This is the reason why as soon as username reservation started across the world, many users started locking their favorite names. If you have a special name or brand name, it may be wise to reserve it early.
How many characters will the WhatsApp username consist of?
WhatsApp has said that the username can be up to a maximum of 35 characters. Users will also be able to change the username in Fuser. If needed, the username can also be removed. Some names of big celebrities and public figures will be kept safe, so that fake accounts cannot be created.
Will old chats on WhatsApp be affected?
WhatsApp has made it clear that this update will not affect your existing chats. Old contacts will be able to message like before. End-to-end encryption will continue. Features like block and report will also work as before. That means the new feature is being added only to improve your identity and privacy.
When will this feature be available in India?
Currently, WhatsApp is rolling out this feature phase wise. Not all users will get this facility simultaneously. When username reservation starts in your region, WhatsApp will send a notification inside the app. After this, it will be released on a large scale during the year 2026.
What is the benefit for WhatsApp users?
- After the new update you will be able to hide the mobile number.
- There will be no need to give numbers to unknown people.
- Privacy will be stronger than before.
- Spam messages may be reduced.
- Business and professional networking will be easier.