WhatsApp users will now be able to enjoy chatting and calling without revealing the mobile number. This new privacy feature is being rolled out for Meta’s instant messaging platform. In this username feature, users will be able to hide their mobile number and use their username to identify themselves, as is the case in other social media platforms. Due to mobile number not being disclosed, the incidents of cyber crime may reduce.
WhatsApp has announced the roll out of this feature through its official X handle. This feature will be launched officially soon. At present, users will be able to reserve their username. After the username is reserved, the user’s mobile number will be hidden and he will be identified only by the username.
WhatsApp explained in its post that “Your phone number is private and sometimes you want to connect with people without revealing it. That’s why we are bringing the username feature to WhatsApp.”
The post further states that this week you will be able to reserve your username, which you will be able to use after the feature is launched. Reserving a username is very easy and takes very little effort.
- First of all you have to update your WhatsApp app with the latest version.
- After this go to the settings of the app.
- Here tap on the account option.
- On the next page you will see the option of username.
- Select your username and reserve it.
However, some users said on WhatsApp’s post that they are not able to see this feature. WhatsApp said that this feature is being rolled out phase wise. By the end of this week you will get the option to select the user. In such a situation, if you also do not have the option of username, then there is no need to panic. You will start seeing this feature after a few days. WhatsApp has suggested people to keep checking the feature after updating the app.
What will be the benefit?
As WhatsApp said, mobile number is very private. In such a situation, many people do not want to share their mobile number with anyone. Like apps like Instagram, Facebook, username feature will also be available in WhatsApp. After this, the user will not need to share his mobile number to connect on WhatsApp.
Its second benefit will be that the incidents of cyber crime will be curbed. Cyber criminals will not know your mobile number and will not try to cheat you through calls and messages. However, even after knowing the username, they can send fake links etc. in your messages, about which you will need to be cautious.
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