WhatsApp is working on update that will let you message users without having their phone number

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WhatsApp is working on a HUGE update that will allow you to message users without having their phone number

  • Meta’s app is developing the ability to set a WhatsApp username
  • This allows you to message others without having their phone number

It’s the go-to messaging app for millions of people around the world, and now WhatsApp seems to be working on a massive update.

The Meta app is developing the ability to set a WhatsApp username, according to the leaker site, WABetaInfo.

This allows users to message others without having access to their phone number.

“WhatsApp users will have the option to add another layer of privacy to their accounts,” WABetaInfo wrote in a blog post.

“Instead of relying solely on phone numbers to identify contacts, users can choose a unique and memorable username.”

It’s the go-to messaging app for millions of people around the world, and now it looks like WhatsApp is working on a massive new update

The Meta app is developing the ability to set a WhatsApp username, according to leaker site WABetaInfo

The Meta app is developing the ability to set a WhatsApp username, according to leaker site WABetaInfo

WABetaInfo spotted the new feature in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.11.15.

“While this feature is currently in development and not yet visible, we have a preview to share,” it read next to a screenshot of the feature.

The screenshot shows a new option to add a unique username to the profile page in the app’s settings.

However, further details on how the feature will work remain unclear.

“As this feature is still in development, it’s too early to understand how usernames work on WhatsApp,” explained WABetaInfo.

“They could allow users to communicate privately with companies, protecting their phone numbers, or perhaps extend their use even further, allowing private communication with any user.”

“Only time will give us more answers, but we are confident that in the future they will revolutionize the way we communicate on WhatsApp.”

While WhatsApp has not yet confirmed the news, several enthusiastic users have already taken to Twitter to express their delight at the rumours.

1685104415 252 WhatsApp is working on update that will let you message

1685104416 561 WhatsApp is working on update that will let you message

While WhatsApp has not yet confirmed the news, several enthusiastic users have already taken to Twitter to express their delight at the rumours

While WhatsApp has not yet confirmed the news, several enthusiastic users have already taken to Twitter to express their delight at the rumours

‘Finally!!! It was time to read something like this and that’s why the phone number can be hidden, honestly this is great!!!’ a user wrote.

“It’s great to avoid having to give out phone numbers to communicate with strangers!” added another.

And one quipped, “The battle of claiming username on WhatsApp is about to begin!”

The news comes shortly after WhatsApp launched an Edit button that lets you edit messages up to 15 minutes after they’re sent.

WhatsApp announced the new tool in a blog post this afternoon.

“From correcting a simple spelling mistake to adding extra context to a message, we’re excited to give you more control over your chats,” the post read.

To use the new tool, just long-press on a sent message and choose “Edit” from the menu.

Edited posts will show “edited” next to them, letting your friends know about the correction, even though they won’t be able to see the edit history.

“As with all personal messages, media and calls, your messages and the edits you make are protected by end-to-end encryption,” WhatsApp added.

BEST WHATSAPP ALTERNATIVES

If you’re considering uninstalling WhatsApp, you’ll be happy to hear that there are several alternative apps you can choose from:

1. Telegram

With over 400 million users, Telegram is one of the most popular WhatsApp alternatives.

Although very similar to WhatsApp, it is distinguished by the fact that it offers the possibility to set messages to self-destruct after a certain amount of time, without leaving a trace.

Telegram also offers end-to-end encryption.

However, as a WhatsApp spokesperson pointed out, Telegram “doesn’t offer end-to-end encryption by default, so it’s not necessarily more secure than WhatsApp.”

2. Signal

Signal is one of the most secure messaging apps, thanks to being open source.

This means that the code for the app is publicly available for viewing, making it nearly impossible for the app’s creators to sneak in backdoors that would allow governments or hackers to spy on your messages.

3. iMessage

If you’re using an iPhone, consider simply switching to iMessage, Apple’s own messaging app.

The app has some impressive features, including no character limits, the ability to send photos and videos, and of course Apple’s animated emoji feature, Animoji.

Unfortunately, iMessage is only available for iPhone users, so you’ll struggle to communicate with anyone using an Android device.

4. Google Messages

Google’s answer to iMessage is Google Messages, a messaging service for Android.

The app replaces your default text messaging app and integrates with all of Google’s apps and services, making it easy to share images or use the Google Assistant.

5. Facebook messenger

If you were put off using WhatsApp because of its data sharing with Facebook, Facebook Messenger may not be the best option for you.

However, the app offers some useful features, including games, secret conversations, and video calls.