WhatsApp is working on a feature users have been requesting for years: username search. This innovation revolutionizes communication by eliminating the need to share a phone number. You can now start a chat simply by username without knowing someone’s number. This is a great convenience, especially for those who value their privacy and want to establish international connections.

WhatsApp to Offer Username Search

The new feature works via a button in the Chats tab. From there, WhatsApp searches WhatsApp’s database for the username entered in the search bar. If a match is found, that user appears in the search results. This makes it easy to connect even with people not yet saved in your phonebook.

Privacy is at the core of this innovation. If a user’s profile photo is set to “Everyone,” it appears in search results. However, if the profile photo is shared only with certain contacts, it will not appear in search results. All new and old chats are managed from a single area in the Chats tab.

This feature works globally. Users can connect not only with people in their own country but also with users worldwide using their username. This greatly facilitates international collaboration, social networking, and meeting new people.

Creating a username is not mandatory. Those who prefer can continue using WhatsApp with just their phone number. However, for those who do create a username, connecting with friends, colleagues, or new contacts without sharing their phone number becomes much easier.