WhatsApp is finally getting a long-awaited privacy feature that allows you to display a username instead of your phone number, which will remain hidden from other users. The feature has been in the works for over a year, with few details released about its functionality and ETA. Although it’s still not available to all users, we now know a little more about how it will work.
According to WABetaInfo (and as Reported by 9to5Google), WhatsApp is set to launch usernames for a very limited number of accounts as part of a phased rollout. This means that you may not have access to this update right now – but you should consider the switch as soon as it becomes available to you.
How to add username in whatsapp
Once the username feature becomes widely available, you should see the option in your WhatsApp profile settings (go to). settings and tap your profile name and photo). On the pop-up, you can choose to create a WhatsApp username or choose your existing Facebook or Instagram username instead. According to WABetaInfo, WhatsApp has some rules for new usernames:
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Usernames can only contain lowercase letters, numbers, integers, and underscores.
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Username must contain at least one character.
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Usernames cannot begin with “www” or end in a domain (such as .com).
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Username must be 3-35 characters long.
Usernames on WhatsApp must also be unclaimed on other meta platforms – so even if a username is available on WhatsApp, you won’t be able to select it if someone else is using it on Facebook or Instagram. If you have an existing username on one of these, consider the potential privacy implications of making your accounts easier to identify across different platforms before linking the same name to WhatsApp.
What do you think so far?
Along with the WhatsApp username, you will also be able to set a four-digit code that other users will have to enter when they message you for the first time. Username keys allow you to limit communications to trusted contacts.
