WhatsApp To Show Usernames instead of Phone Numbers

The popular messenger WhatsApp is apparently on the verge of getting a long desired function: The basis of contact with other users will soon be able to form a user name instead of the classic telephone number.

Still in development

This will make it possible to communicate with others in the future without revealing your own telephone number. With this, WhatsApp draws with competitors such as Telegram or Signal, which have been offering such options for a long time. However, your own number remains part of the registration process internally. According to a report from Hob which refers to a current beta version of the iOS app, WhatsApp is currently working on the technical implementation of this new feature. Even if the function of the app has not yet been unlocked – neither in the beta version nor officially – various indications in the program code indicate that the development is well advanced.

At the center of the new system is the protection of the telephone number. Instead of the phone number, the user name should be displayed by default in the future if a new contact is contacted. Users will be able to create an individual handle that must meet certain criteria: The user name must not be “www.” Start, contain at least one letter and may only use certain characters – including small letters, digits, points and underlined.

Beta is imminent

As soon as a username has been successfully selected, an animation with confetti should confirm the registration. From then on, the selected name in chats and groups will be visible – instead of the telephone number. Later changes to the username are automatically announced in the chats with a system message, similar to how it is already the case with changes to the profile picture or the telephone number.

In a later version of the web app, a function should also be added to check whether a desired username is still available. So far there is no exact date for the introduction. However, the information in the beta version suggests that the start will not be long in coming. After the recent publication of an official iPad app, this would be another big step for the platform.