WhatsApp./FILE
WhatsApp has begun rolling out a new usernames feature that will allow users to connect without sharing their phone numbers, in a move aimed at enhancing privacy on the messaging platform.
The company announced that users can begin reserving their preferred usernames starting this week, ahead of the feature's wider launch later this year.
According to WhatsApp, the new feature is designed to give users another way to connect while keeping their personal phone numbers private.
"Your phone number is personal, and sometimes you want to connect without handing it over. That's why we're introducing usernames for WhatsApp," the company said.
To reserve a username, users must update to the latest version of WhatsApp and navigate to Settings > Account > Username.
WhatsApp said the reservation process takes only a few seconds, allowing users to secure their preferred username before the feature becomes widely available
The platform stated that the introduction of usernames aligns WhatsApp with other messaging platforms that allow users to communicate using unique handles rather than phone numbers, offering greater privacy and flexibility when connecting with new contacts.
The move comes as the messaging platform steps up efforts to protect users from scams and impersonation attempts.
The feature, available on both Android and iOS devices, introduces a warning screen when a user attempts to start or open a chat with a phone number that is not saved in their contacts.
According to WABetaInfo, the warning appears before a conversation is opened, giving users additional information about the unknown contact and encouraging them to assess whether the interaction is legitimate.
The latest update builds on WhatsApp's existing security measures, which aim to make it more difficult for scammers to trick users into granting them access to their accounts.
Scammers often rely on social engineering rather than passwords, persuading users to enter a verification code or approve a request that allows criminals to link another device to their WhatsApp account.
The new security feature is designed to intervene before users complete actions that could give fraudsters access.
"A security feature on WhatsApp for iOS and Android makes it harder for scammers to trick people into giving away access. Scammers don't need your password, as they just need you to enter a code yourself or confirm something. WhatsApp steps in right before that code grants them access," WABetaInfo said.
Under the update, the warning screen displays useful details about unknown contacts, including the phone number's country code and whether the user shares any mutual groups with the sender.
The information is intended to help users determine whether the contact appears genuine before engaging in a conversation.
