WhatsApp is taking a significant step towards modernizing its platform by testing a "username reservation" feature in the latest Android beta build (version 2.25.28.12). This move signals the impending introduction of usernames, a crucial change that will allow users to connect on the messaging app without solely relying on phone numbers, similar to competitors like Telegram.
Securing Your Digital Identity
For over a decade since its launch in 2009, WhatsApp has required phone numbers for both registration and contact discovery. The new username system is intended to provide greater flexibility and privacy.
The current test, spotted within the Settings menu of the Android beta, focuses on reservation rather than full messaging access. This feature will allow users to secure their preferred handles before the official, broad rollout of the username system. This reservation phase aims to ensure fairness in the allocation of popular handles and allows WhatsApp to manage demand, maintain stability, and monitor performance during the gradual expansion.
Strict Formatting Rules
Earlier code analysis revealed that WhatsApp is implementing strict formatting rules for the new usernames to maintain standardization and security. Usernames must adhere to the following criteria:
* They cannot begin with “www.” to avoid confusion with website addresses.
* They must include at least one letter, preventing names composed solely of numbers or symbols.
* Only lowercase letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), periods (.), and underscores (_) are permitted.
While the full username system—which will enable connection and chat via a chosen handle—is still under development, the appearance of the reservation feature suggests that the company is prioritizing the securing of user handles ahead of the main launch.
No official release date for either the reservation feature or the full username system has been announced, but its presence in the beta indicates a launch may be imminent.
Securing Your Digital Identity
For over a decade since its launch in 2009, WhatsApp has required phone numbers for both registration and contact discovery. The new username system is intended to provide greater flexibility and privacy.
The current test, spotted within the Settings menu of the Android beta, focuses on reservation rather than full messaging access. This feature will allow users to secure their preferred handles before the official, broad rollout of the username system. This reservation phase aims to ensure fairness in the allocation of popular handles and allows WhatsApp to manage demand, maintain stability, and monitor performance during the gradual expansion.
Strict Formatting Rules
Earlier code analysis revealed that WhatsApp is implementing strict formatting rules for the new usernames to maintain standardization and security. Usernames must adhere to the following criteria:
* They cannot begin with “www.” to avoid confusion with website addresses.
* They must include at least one letter, preventing names composed solely of numbers or symbols.
* Only lowercase letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), periods (.), and underscores (_) are permitted.
While the full username system—which will enable connection and chat via a chosen handle—is still under development, the appearance of the reservation feature suggests that the company is prioritizing the securing of user handles ahead of the main launch.
No official release date for either the reservation feature or the full username system has been announced, but its presence in the beta indicates a launch may be imminent.
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