WhatsApp Users Will Soon Be Able to Chat Without Revealing Their Number

An image of the Whatsapp Logo.
Credit: Deeksha Pahariya on Unsplash | Free to use under the Unsplash License

An image of the Whatsapp Logo.
Credit: Deeksha Pahariya on Unsplash | Free to use under the Unsplash License

Privacy has become the paramount concern of users today. As people increasingly rely on messaging apps to meet their communication requirements, the need to protect their personal information has grown.

WhatsApp, among the world's most popular messaging applications, has always been known to address these privacy concerns first. Recent developments suggest that WhatsApp will take another essential step in allowing users to chat without revealing their phone numbers.

WhatsApp Username Feature: A New Era of Privacy and Convenience

Whatsapp username feature
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Credit: WABetaInfo

WhatsApp has always relied on phone numbers as a primary identifier for users. This method has been effective, but in certain regions, revealing phone numbers could pose serious privacy risks. It can lead to unwanted calls, messages, and even scams.

In a recent post, WABetaInfo announced that WhatsApp is working on a username feature that allows users to choose unique usernames for their accounts. This feature will offer an additional layer of security and privacy, as your phone number will be hidden.

Although this feature is still in development, WhatsApp is committed to improving and integrating new safety tools. The username feature is available for beta users with WhatsApp Beta Version 2.24.18.2 Android, which is available on the Google Play Store.

The feature will be released for all users in future updates. With this, people can contact each other without sharing their phone numbers. Additionally, it will offer great flexibility to manage privacy, as you can choose a unique and personalized username.

Note: People with your phone number will continue seeing it, but you can opt to use your username for new conversations in the future.

Optional PIN Code for Added Security

WhatsApp Messenger on Android
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Credit: Amanz on Unsplash | Free to use under the Unsplash License

To enhance privacy, WhatsApp is also developing an optional PIN code feature for the username. This will be an additional security feature to limit unwanted messages. You can choose a four-digit PIN and share it with others.

People sending you a message will have to enter the PIN before they are allowed to contact your username for the first time. However, the people you have conversations with won't be required to enter the pin.

By offering a more anonymous and secure way to communicate, WhatsApp addresses the growing concerns of users who value their personal information. As this feature becomes available, it will undoubtedly reshape the way we interact with each other in the digital age.

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