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WhatsApp, the messaging app owned by US tech giant Meta Platforms, has released a detailed set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) for users on its controversial username feature.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The move came after the Centre sent a notice to the parent company raising alarm over potential fraud <\/a>and impersonation risks and pausing the rollout till government consultations on the matter are completed to satisfaction.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Here’s a look at the comprehensive FAQs on key clarifications and safeguards from WhatsApp:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Are usernames mandatory?<\/strong> Usernames <\/a>are an optional feature that lets you create a unique identifier (for example, @Name123) to keep your phone number private. With a username, your phone number will not be visible when you message or call anyone who doesn\u2019t already have it saved in their contacts. You can give people your username, instead of your phone number, to let them contact you on WhatsApp. Your username is different from your display name (the name that appears in your profile). Your display name doesn’t have to be unique, but your username does.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Who can see my username?<\/strong> People who don’t have your number saved will see your username instead by default. This includes when you participate in group chats, message <\/a>someone directly, or make calls on WhatsApp. Your username always appears with an @ symbol in front. This makes it easy for others to tell the difference between your username, your display name, and your phone number.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n How do people contact me by my username?<\/strong> If you don\u2019t want to share your phone number in order to chat with someone on WhatsApp, you can give them your username instead. You can also generate a QR code or link that directs people to your username. Like a phone number, others can enter your username directly in WhatsApp <\/a>to start a conversation with you. There isn\u2019t a searchable directory, so they\u2019ll need to know your exact unique username. Once a conversation is started, they will be able to see your display name, but not your phone number (unless they already have it saved).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n What is a username key?<\/strong> A username key is an optional setting that gives you more control over who can contact you by your username. If you enable a key, people who want to reach you by your username will need to enter your username key<\/a> before they can send you a message for the first time. This can help protect against unwanted messages. People who already have your phone number or are in a group with you won\u2019t need your key to message you.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Who doesn’t need my key?<\/strong> Your key is only required for people contacting you for the first time by username. The following people don’t need your key: People who already have your phone number saved, people you’ve previously chatted with, people in a shared group with you, people who scanned your QR code, and people you messaged first.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Creating a username key isn\u2019t currently available on WhatsApp Web or Desktop. If you\u2019d like to create a username key, please use your primary mobile <\/a>device.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n What if the username I want isn’t available?<\/strong> There’s a few reasons you might not be able to reserve the username you want:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n 1) It’s an existing Instagram or Facebook <\/a>username; these are reserved for their owners.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n 2) We’ve held well-known names and some variations of them \u2014 like public figures, celebrities, government entities and Meta-verified accounts \u2014 so they can only be claimed by their legitimate owners. If you try to reserve those, the system will say it’s not available.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n 3) Someone already claimed a common name, in that case use the username generator.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n What if someone creates a username similar to mine to impersonate me or run a scam, how do you stop someone from pretending to be me?<\/strong> Usernames are not available for messaging <\/a>yet. When they are, and you get a message from someone new, we’ll let you know the country origin, and a warning for first time outreach. Well-known public-figure names and their variations are held for verified owners. We’re also keeping a close eye on blocks and reports to take action against scammers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Can random people message me if they know or guess my username?<\/strong> Just like you can’t search for a phone number in WhatsApp<\/a>, you can’t search for a username. The best way to prevent someone from contacting you is to add a username key and to choose a username that is unique to WhatsApp. All the current measures remain in place to prevent unwanted contact, including warnings with details about unknown senders (whether they’re a new account, if you share groups, what country they’re in) and the ability to block and report.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Can I change or delete my username?<\/strong> Having a username is completely optional. You can change your username or delete it at any time. If you delete your username, people will be able to see your phone number again. Keep in mind that once you change or delete a username, it may become available for others to claim.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Can someone take my username?<\/strong> Usernames are unique to each account. If the username you want is already taken, you’ll need to choose a different one. Certain usernames are held for businesses, governments, or public figures and can’t be claimed by others.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Do I have to link my other Meta accounts?<\/strong> If you want the same username as your Instagram or Facebook account, you’ll have to link them. This is one of the ways to reduce impersonation and to make sure you’re the legitimate owner of the account<\/a>. But after that, you can unlink the account if you want, or you can choose a username unique to WhatsApp.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Who can see my Business username? <\/strong>Customers who don’t have your business phone number saved will see your username instead. This includes when you message a customer directly, participate in group chats, or make WhatsApp calls. Your username always appears with an @ symbol.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nWhatsApp issues FAQs on username feature<\/h2>\n
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