WhatsApp is introducing a unique feature that allows users to reserve a username on the platform. People will be able to chat with new people and businesses without having to reveal their phone number. It will let you reserve your username in just a few seconds on both Android and iOS.
The Meta-owned firm is rolling out this feature worldwide across 3+ billion account holders in the coming months. From this week, users are allowed to reserve a name via the app, while this is not compulsory. As reported, people will be allowed to remove or change their usernames.
Once this new feature is implemented, WhatsApp users will get connected through exchanging usernames. The options to block or report unwanted messages will be available. WhatsApp described usernames as a privacy feature.
The Purpose behind the usernames feature
Generally, people don’t want to share their phone number in a recently joined group chat or with a new coworker. If things don’t go smoothly, you can’t take back your number once someone has it. Usernames are super useful in such situations. You can chat with new people without disclosing your phone number if you have a username. However, since you won’t have to give out your phone number to new contacts or companies, texting is getting a privacy upgrade. For an app that has only used phone numbers since its first release, this is a significant shift. It brings WhatsApp closer to the functionality of many other chat apps.
More about the Feature
The entire username feature is not available on WhatsApp. Rather, the platform is encouraging reservations in advance so users can choose their preferred username before it goes away. When WhatsApp releases the feature in the coming month, many usernames will overlap because of the huge number of users on the platform. Once the reservation is done, it cannot be taken by anybody else later.
Step-wise Process to Reserve your WhatsApp username
In the latest version of WhatsApp, the platform allows you to reserve your username within a few seconds. Just open the app settings, select Account, and select Username. Lastly, if the username is still available, you can enter it. WhatsApp also provides a feature that makes suggestions based on your input if you are not sure about your username.
Keep in mind that your username must follow certain guidelines. For example, it cannot be longer than 35 characters. It cannot end with a domain extension or begin with “www.” Plus, at least one letter must be in your username, and it must be the first character.
Additionally, you can claim your Facebook or Instagram handle.
Businesses and content creators often wish their WhatsApp presence to align with what consumers already know about them elsewhere. This new feature will allow users to claim the same username they use on Facebook or Instagram to make this happen. But you can’t just enter that handle into WhatsApp and expect it to work. You need to prove that you hold the same user ID.
This new feature is expected to make interactions more private and less intrusive. As of now, another person’s phone number is enough to connect with them on the messaging platform.
The Latest Update
The “username” feature WhatsApp is soon to launch has been put on hold. The Indian government has sent a notice to Meta, asking for a detailed explanation on the “usernames” feature within three days. The government has also conceded that until consultation on the matter is resolved, the feature will not be rolled out.
According to the report, the officials from the government and Meta are both exploring if there are any chances that cybercriminals can impersonate government departments, public officials, banks, and other trusted institutions.
As reported, the government will give feedback on this matter after getting the response and holding further consultations on the security implications of the proposed feature.
