WhatsApp’s use of phone numbers has left users’ privacy open to spam and harassment. Since phone numbers are needed to set up accounts and receive messages, they can be easily misused. To fix this, the Meta-owned messaging platform has been working on usernames since early 2023, allowing users to chat with unique handles instead of sharing their phone numbers. Now, a recent beta suggests that WhatsApp might add the option to set up PINs for additional protection against unwanted messages.

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WhatsApp continues to build on the upcoming username feature

A new beta reveals the username validation process

The latest beta version of WhatsApp for Android (v2.24.18.2) suggests that in addition to setting a unique username, users will soon be able to add a PIN for additional security, as WABetaInfo has discovered. This PIN would prevent anyone with your username from messaging you directly. This means that you can set a PIN. Even if someone knows your username, they will need the code to start a chat. However, this PIN requirement does not apply to existing chats.

Currently, WhatsApp uses phone numbers as the only way to identify users. This means you have to give your number to anyone you want to chat with, which automatically reveals your personal contact information. This configuration raises privacy concerns because your phone number remains linked to your account.

WhatsApp’s username and PIN features are still under development and it’s unclear when or if they’ll make it to the stable release. Currently, these options aren’t available to beta testers.

If this new feature is rolled out, it could be an effective way to protect user privacy. According to WABetaInfo, after setting up a username, you will be asked to create a PIN. Anyone who hasn’t messaged you yet will have to enter that PIN to start a chat. This extra security measure could make it much harder for spammers to reach you if they don’t have the right PIN.

Users may also have the option to make their username the only public identifier for their account. Even if you share your username, you can change it as often as you like, or turn off PIN protection to make it easier for others to contact you.

While it’s great that WhatsApp is adding usernames, it’s worth noting that other messaging apps like Telegram have had this feature for a while. Telegram lets you set a username and chat without ever revealing your phone number, which is hidden from everyone. Signal also uses usernames instead of phone numbers. Still, it’s a good move that WhatsApp is jumping on the username bandwagon and keeping up with the trends in messaging apps.