WhatsApp has been observed working on a new feature that will allow users to set a username for their profile. One of the most notable features to appear in a beta version of the app: the possible addition of usernames can fundamentally change the way users communicate on the platform. Beta test channel users cannot try the feature as it is still under development. However, a feature tracker shared a preview of what the feature might look like when it rolls out to users at a later date.
The recently released Whatsapp for Android Beta 2.23.11.15 contains code for a feature that will eventually allow users to choose a username for their profile, according to WhatsApp feature tracker WABetaInfo. The feature is still in development, and while Meta’s own messaging service hasn’t revealed any details, the tracker has already shared a preview how it could look like.
Username picker on WhatsApp was discovered by a feature tracker
Photo credit: WABetaInfo
According to the preview image shared by WABetaInfo, the messaging service will mention “This is your unique username” under the username choice. This means that no two users can have the same username. This functionality is similar to services like Twitter, Instagramand chat services like telegramHere, members can choose a unique username that others can use to contact them.
The feature tracker states that the username picker feature is found by tapping the three-dot menu > Ideas > profile. It’s under the profile Surname section and above Around Section. Since there is a pencil icon around all of these fields, apparently users can change their username as well. However, it should be noted that the service could optimize or completely change how the feature works before the rollout.
While the preview of the feature shared by WABetaInfo gives us our first glimpse of usernames on WhatsApp, there’s no word on how this feature will work. WhatsApp could potentially allow users to communicate with others using only a username, thereby protecting their privacy. The messaging platform owned by Meta has traditionally relied on phone numbers to connect users.
