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As digital privacy becomes a top concern for users worldwide, WhatsApp is taking bold steps to enhance user security while improving the overall experience. The latest beta version for iOS (25.17.10.70), released via the TestFlight program, is shaping up to be a major milestone. One of the standout developments? The long-awaited Username feature, designed specifically to give users more control over their identity and protect phone number visibility.
Although still under development and not yet available for beta testers, this upcoming functionality signals a major shift in how people will interact on WhatsApp. Here’s what users need to know about this evolving feature.
Everything You Need to Know About
WhatsApp is developing a powerful privacy-focused feature: the ability to choose a username as an alternative to sharing a phone number. This means users will soon be able to identify themselves using a unique handle, a move aimed at increasing anonymity and preventing unwanted contact or misuse of personal numbers.
As described in the beta notes for version 25.17.10.70, this feature remains in the works and has not yet been activated for beta testers. However, WhatsApp has already outlined several details about how it will function. When implemented, users will have to choose a username that follows specific guidelines. These include:
The username must contain at least one letter and can include lowercase letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), periods, and underscores.
Usernames
Each username must be unique — no duplicates are allowed, and WhatsApp will not use discriminators like “@name123” to differentiate.
Usernames will range from 3 to 30 characters.
Another key element is a system-generated message within chat threads that notifies participants whenever someone changes their username. This ensures transparency and avoids confusion in group or one-on-one conversations.
Once a user successfully sets a username, they’ll see a celebratory confirmation screen, complete with confetti. From that point forward, others will see the username instead of the phone number — especially useful in large group chats or when chatting with someone who isn’t saved in your contacts.
Interestingly, WhatsApp is also preparing similar functionality for its web client. Users will soon be able to check the availability of a username online and secure one before the full rollout. The feature is part of WhatsApp’s broader push to create a safer and more flexible platform, reflecting user demand for more privacy-oriented tools.
What Undercode Say:
This new Username feature isn’t just a cosmetic update — it’s a fundamental change in how digital identities are managed on WhatsApp. As cyber threats and privacy concerns escalate globally, more users are demanding ways to shield personal details. Allowing usernames instead of phone numbers directly addresses this issue and modernizes how communication is handled.
For years, WhatsApp required users to interact solely through phone numbers, making it harder to keep conversations private and detached from one’s personal identity. Introducing usernames echoes features found on platforms like Telegram, Discord, and Instagram, which have long allowed aliases for user engagement. This shift places WhatsApp in line with more privacy-centric platforms.
By restricting usernames with clear rules (no domain endings, unique only, limited characters), WhatsApp also avoids potential pitfalls such as impersonation or misuse. The rule against using names already stored in a user’s contacts is especially thoughtful, ensuring people don’t accidentally engage with fake or misleading profiles.
The integration of real-time system messages informing users about username changes adds a layer of transparency rarely seen in similar messaging apps. It reduces confusion in group chats and ensures consistent identity management.
From a development perspective,
This update may also play a critical role in business messaging and influencer engagement. Users will no longer need to reveal personal numbers when interacting with fans, clients, or customers. This could reshape how WhatsApp is used in professional circles, possibly opening the door to broader uses without compromising user safety.
In short, the username feature is more than just a nickname setting. It’s a powerful tool for safeguarding personal information, modernizing communication practices, and bringing WhatsApp closer to the future of private messaging.
Fact Checker Results ✅
The username feature is still under development and not yet available to the public.
Rules for usernames are confirmed by internal documentation and visuals shared by WABetaInfo.
Username changes will trigger real-time alerts in chat threads to ensure transparency. 🔐📱🧠
Prediction 🔮
When fully launched,
References:
Reported By: wabetainfo.com
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