WhatsApp has announced the introduction of usernames, a new feature designed to give users more privacy by allowing them to connect without sharing their phone numbers.
In a statement released on Monday, the instant messaging platform said phone numbers are personal and users may not always want to disclose them when starting a conversation.
“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.
According to WhatsApp, users can begin reserving their preferred usernames this week ahead of the feature’s full launch later this year.
The company said the reservation process takes only a few seconds. To reserve a username, users should update to the latest version of WhatsApp, then navigate to Settings > Account > Username.
WhatsApp said the feature is aimed at giving users greater control over their privacy while making it easier to connect with others without revealing their phone numbers.
The feature will become available later this year after the username reservation period.
