WhatsApp testing new feature: Here’s how to set it up

WhatsApp is testing username-based privacy features allowing users to chat without sharing phone numbers, offering Telegram and instagram-style handles for safer and more private communication.

By Srivanth Yadav

Hyderabad: Meta-owned messaging app WhatsApp is currently testing a new feature which they claim will help make profiles more private.

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The long-awaited privacy feature will let users chat without revealing their phone numbers to everyone they chat with.

WhatsApp is taking its inspiration from the username systems already available on platforms like Telegram and Instagram.

It is mandatory that the usernames must be 3–35 characters long, include at least one letter, and consist only of lowercase letters, numbers, periods, and underscores.

You can change or remove your username at any point and when you change it, WhatsApp will notify your contacts

This feature is currently being tested on a pilot basis, where a small group of users, can try it using the beta version of the app on some Android and iOS devices. Once the feature is available, users can create a unique username directly through WhatsApp’s Settings menu.

Here’s how to Set it Up :

Once the feature is available on your account, you can create your username handle easily from your WhatsApp settings:

1. Go to Settings and tap on your Profile picture.

2. Select the Username option.

3. Enter your desired unique handle and verify its availability.

4. Save and start sharing your username instead of your phone number.