On WhatsApp today, it’s impossible to escape the phone number. This is the required entry key to chat with someone. The application is now working on an alternative: usernames. With this new feature, everyone will be able to choose a unique identifier to share instead of their number. A more discreet way to get in touch, especially with strangers or in contexts where you prefer to keep your contact details to yourself.
Say goodbye to the number, or almost
Setup should be fairly simple. If the feature is enabled on an account, an option will appear in the profile settings. All you have to do is select a user name, guided step by step. Once validated, this identifier will become the new point of contact. WhatsApp, however, does not give carte blanche. Names must respect a few rules: between 3 and 35 characters, at least one letter, and only lowercase letters, numbers, periods or underscores. It’s also impossible to play with web codes — no “www. » at the beginning, nor “.com” at the end.
Choosing a username on WhatsApp will not be done completely in a vacuum. Meta intends to harmonize identifiers across its different platforms. Result: the chosen name must also be available on Instagram and Facebook. If this is not the case, you will need to prove that you already have this nickname elsewhere, via the account management center. An additional step which can complicate things, but which also avoids usurpations.
This system is not without side effects. Using the same login everywhere makes accounts easier to link together. In other words, someone who finds you on WhatsApp could quickly trace it back to your Instagram or Facebook profile. Nothing obligatory, but a point to keep in mind before making your choice.
For those who want to keep a little distance, WhatsApp adds an interesting option: a “key” associated with the username. It is a four-digit code to be transmitted to authorized persons. Without this code, it is impossible to send a first message, even if you know the nickname. Enough to limit unwanted messages without completely blocking contacts.
There is therefore no question of changing everything overnight. WhatsApp is moving cautiously. The functionality is still in testing and will initially only be available to a small group of users. This pace is easily explained: integrating usernames into such a widely used application requires in-depth adjustments. WhatsApp wants to make sure everything is working properly before opening the floodgates.
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