WhatsApp May Replace Phone Numbers With Usernames Soon

WhatsApp, the world's most popular messaging platform may soon replace phone numbers with quirky usernames.

The feature is currently in development and not yet available.

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WhatsApp, the world's most popular messaging platform may soon replace phone numbers with quirky usernames. The Meta-owned company is rolling out a new update through the Google Play Beta Program, to version 2.23.11.15 which is under development, according to WhatsApp beta testing website WABetaInfo.

"In the past months, we shared a lot of articles about new features in development for WhatsApp. These features confirm their commitment to providing a better user experience to all people, but we have something else important to announce today. After installing the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.11.15 update from the Google Play Store, we spotted a significant feature during our usual exploration of the new build," WABetaInfo wrote on its page.

In simpler terms, Meta-owned WhatsApp is working on a username feature that will allow users to choose unique usernames for their accounts. The feature is currently in development and not yet available.

As per WABetaInfo's shared screenshot, WhatsApp is working on introducing a username feature within the app settings: in particular, a section dedicated to this feature will be available within WhatsApp Settings > Profile.

With the ability to choose a username, WhatsApp users will have the opportunity to add another layer of privacy to their accounts.

"This also means that instead of relying solely on phone numbers to identify contacts, users will be able to opt for a unique and memorable username: by allowing users to choose usernames, WhatsApp may offer users the ability to reach other people by entering a username within the app, without knowing their phone numbers," WABetaInfo added.

Meanwhile, Meta-owned WhatsApp is rolling out a much-needed feature that lets users edit messages within a 15-minute window. Company CEO Mark Zuckerberg made the announcement in a Facebook post earlier this week that WhatsApp users can now edit messages for up to 15 minutes after sending them. The edit message option has started rolling out to users around the world and will be available to everyone in the coming weeks.

However, the edited messages will be marked as 'Edited', thus, letting the people at the receiving end know that the sent message has been changed, but they won't see the edit history. Like all personal messages, media files and calls, WhatsApp messages and changes are protected by end-to-end encryption, the Meta-owned company added.