The long-awaited WhatsApp feature—usernames—has begun rolling out to users. Now you can chat with new people without revealing your phone number, reports infohub.kz.
Some users have already received notifications that their previously reserved username is now active. After that, it can be used instead of a phone number when communicating with new contacts. The feature is being rolled out gradually and is not yet available to everyone.
Once the update reaches your account, simply go to Settings > Account > Username and choose a unique username if you haven't already. You can change or delete it at any time.
The main innovation is that new contacts no longer need to know your phone number. If the feature is enabled, they will only see your username. However, your number remains mandatory for WhatsApp registration and will still be visible to people already in your contact list.
WhatsApp emphasizes that the new system is designed primarily to enhance privacy. Users will be able to meet new people, join group chats, and message without disclosing their personal phone number. However, you won't be able to find someone by username randomly—there is no public directory of usernames, so you need to know the exact username to start a conversation.
Earlier, Kursiv LifeStyle reported that WhatsApp introduced a major update to group chats.