WhatsApp Username Selection Feature Spotted in Development on Latest Android Beta: Details

WhatsApp usernames are expected to be unique, based on a preview image of the feature that is still in development.

Written by David Delima, Edited by Siddharth Suvarna | Updated: 25 May 2023 15:18 IST

WhatsApp Username Selection Feature Spotted in Development on Latest Android Beta: Details

Photo Credit: Gadgets 360

WhatsApp has traditionally relied on phone numbers to connect users on the messaging app

Highlights

WhatsApp is working on developing a username picker
Each WhatsApp username is expected to be unique
Ussernames could fundamentally change how people use WhatsApp

WhatsApp has been spotted working on a new feature that will allow users to set a username for their profile. One of the most noteworthy features to surface in a beta version of the app, the potential addition of usernames may fundamentally change how users communicate on the platform. Users on the beta testing channel cannot try the feature as it is still under development, but a feature tracker has shared a preview of how the feature might look if it is rolled out to users at a future date.

The recently released WhatsApp for Android beta 2.23.11.15, contains code for a feature that will eventually allow users to select a username for their profile, according to WhatsApp feature tracker WABetaInfo. The feature is still in development, and while the Meta-owned messaging service hasn't shared any details, the tracker has shared a preview of how it might appear.

The username picker on WhatsApp spotted 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 picker. This means that no two users can have the same username. This functionality is similar to services like Twitter, Instagram, and chat services like Telegram, where members can pick a unique username that others can use to contact them.

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The feature tracker says that the username picker feature will be found by tapping the three-dot menu > Settings > Profile. It is located under the profile Name section, and above the About section. With a pencil icon located around all of these fields, it appears that users will also be able to modify their username. However, it is worth noting that the service could tweak or completely change how the feature works before it is rolled out.

While the preview of the feature shared by WABetaInfo gives us a sneak peek at usernames on WhatsApp, there is no word on how this feature will work. WhatsApp could potentially allow users the option to communicate with others using only a username, protecting their privacy. The Meta-owned messaging platform has traditionally relied on phone numbers to connect users to one another.

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Google I/O 2023 saw the search giant repeatedly tell us that it cares about AI, alongside the launch of its first foldable phone and Pixel-branded tablet. This year, the company is going to supercharge its apps, services, and Android operating system with AI technology. We discuss this and more on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.

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Further reading: WhatsApp, WhatsApp Username, WhatsApp Features

David Delima

Email David Delima

As a writer on technology with Gadgets 360, David Delima is interested in open-source technology, cybersecurity, consumer privacy, and loves to read and write about how the Internet works. David can be contacted via email at DavidD@ndtv.com, on Twitter at @DxDavey, and Mastodon at mstdn.social/@delima. More