WhatsApp May Bring Username Feature Soon: All You Need To Know

The Meta-owned instant messaging application WhatsApp is reportedly working on a feature to configure a username. It means you will be able to choose your WhatsApp username directly within your profile settings.

“Thanks to the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS 23.20.1.71 update, which is available on the TestFlight app, WhatsApp is now working on bringing the same feature to the iOS app,” WABetaInfo reported.

The screenshot shared by WABetaInfo revealed that it will be possible to choose your WhatsApp username right within your profile settings as a new section dedicated to this feature will be introduced in this screen in a future update. Usernames on WhatsApp will accept alphanumeric characters and some special characters, but do not support discriminators.

“This means that usernames are unique on WhatsApp. It’s important to note that configuring a username is optional, and the phone number associated with an account that initiated a chat through a username will always remain concealed, as long as the people in the conversation do not already know each other’s phone numbers,” the report said.

The report suggested that, with usernames on WhatsApp, it will be possible to communicate with any user, whether they are an individual or a business, making it easier for users to connect with a diverse range of contacts.

The introduction of usernames also aligns with their commitment to enhance privacy and security by allowing users to communicate without revealing their phone numbers. They can finally maintain a higher level of confidentiality of their information when engaging with new contacts and group chats.

As always, conversations initiated through usernames will be protected by end-to-end encryption. The feature to configure a WhatsApp username is under development and it will be available in a future update of the app.

WhatsApp is also rolling out a new reply bar feature for quickly responding to images, videos, and GIFs.

The new reply bar feature will become available when viewing images or videos in a conversation after users install the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.20.20 update from the Google Play Store.