WhatsApp to allow users hide phone numbers with a username: Know how you can setup

WhatsApp is taking a significant step toward enhancing user privacy by introducing a username feature that is currently being rolled out to a select group of users on both Android and iOS platforms. This innovative option allows individuals to create a distinctive handle, akin to those found on Instagram and Telegram, enabling easier connections while keeping phone numbers confidential. Once fully implemented, users will be able to generate their unique usernames directly within the app. Importantly, this feature is optional, meaning the traditional phone-number-based identification system will still be available for those who prefer it. To set up a username when the feature becomes accessible, users will need to navigate to Settings in WhatsApp, then proceed to their profile section. Upon entering the username setup, users can check the availability of their desired handle. If the username is already taken, adjustments will be necessary. Once available, users can save their preferences with ease. However, there are specific guidelines to keep in mind when creating a username. According to reports from WABetaInfo, usernames cannot begin with "www." They must contain at least one letter, as combinations of only numbers or symbols are not permitted. Acceptable characters include lowercase letters (a-z), numbers (0-9), periods (.), and underscores (_). Furthermore, usernames must range from 3 to 30 characters in length and cannot conclude with extensions like ".com" or ".net." WhatsApp is also developing a system to verify username ownership through Meta’s Accounts Centre. This process may require users to link their WhatsApp accounts with other Meta platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram. Once verified, a username could potentially be used across all Meta applications, creating a streamlined identity while ensuring uniqueness within the ecosystem.