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WhatsApp is about to release a big update that may change how people communicate on the app. Soon, users can pick a special username, so they won’t have to share phone numbers to chat. This new feature is seen in recent beta versions for iOS and is being worked on for WhatsApp Web. It aims to protect privacy and reduce spam, scams, and unwanted messages.
A Shift Towards Anonymity
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WhatsApp users used to share their phone numbers to start chatting. This raised privacy worries, especially for women and people afraid of scams. Once a number is given, it can be misused on other apps or in fraud. By letting users chat using usernames, WhatsApp is tackling these problems directly.
The new system will allow users to choose a special ID, similar to Telegram or Signal, that can replace their phone number in chats and groups. This means people can message others without showing their number, unless they want to.
Username Rules and Format
To keep things safe and the same, WhatsApp has made new rules for usernames. Every username must:
Contain at least one letter
Be between 3 and 30 characters long
Include only lowercase letters (a-z), numbers (0-9), periods, and underscores
Avoid domains (e.g. .com)
Not start or end with a period or contain consecutive periods
Not begin with “www.”
Duplicate usernames aren’t allowed, and users can’t choose a username already in their contact list. These rules help avoid confusion, stop impersonation, and lower the chance of scams.
User Experience and Notifications
Once a user picks a good username, WhatsApp will show a fun confetti animation to celebrate. The username will show up in private and group chats instead of the user’s phone number. If the user wants to change their username later, WhatsApp will let others in active chats know to keep things clear.
Web Integration and Rollout Timeline
An update for WhatsApp Web will soon let users see if usernames are free and pick one before the full feature is available. The username system is not ready for all beta testers yet, but the ongoing work hints that it will be out for everyone in the next few weeks.
