WhatsApp, the popular global messaging app owned by Meta, has been working on a highly-requested feature that will allow users to use a username instead of their phone number to message others. This feature has been in the works for some time and is finally showing signs of progress.

For users outside of the United States, where iMessage and traditional SMS are dominant, WhatsApp is a widely used messaging solution in places like India, Latin America, and parts of Europe. This means that users in the US who have friends and family in these locations can benefit from this new feature once it’s available.

The latest WhatsApp beta version for iOS (24.3.10.72) reveals that the app is testing the username feature once again. In this version, users will be able to select a username and go through a validation process to ensure its uniqueness and character composition (limited to alphanumeric characters).

This new feature will provide multiple benefits, including enhanced privacy by allowing users to keep their phone numbers hidden when communicating with others. It also gives users more control over who sees their contact information, which can be important for security or personal reasons.

Furthermore, having a username instead of a series of numbers makes it easier for friends and family to remember how to reach you on WhatsApp.

While there is no official timeline for when usernames will be available to all users, we hope that this becomes a priority for WhatsApp developers in the near future. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting feature!