WhatsApp has been actively developing support for usernames, and recent findings by a feature tracker indicate that users will soon be able to initiate calls using these usernames. This exciting update means the popular messaging platform is set to allow both text messages and calls between users without the need to exchange phone numbers, a functionality already offered by platforms like Signal. WhatsApp’s approach might include a unique ‘username key’ feature, potentially enhancing user privacy and security.
How Username-Based Calls Will Work on WhatsApp
Insiders tracking WhatsApp’s beta releases for iOS and Android have uncovered code suggesting a new method for finding and calling contacts. Soon, you might be able to search for someone’s username and call them directly, bypassing the need to know or dial their phone number. This feature is still under development, so it’s not yet available to beta testers or the general public.
Image: WhatsApp’s username search option for calls (Courtesy: WABetaInfo)
The new functionality will likely enable users to search for a person’s username through the ‘Calls’ tab within the app. Once a match is found, you’ll be able to tap on either the voice call or video call buttons. Depending on the privacy settings of the person you’re trying to reach, you may also see their profile photo.
A key concern with such a feature is the potential for misuse by spammers and scammers, who could call users without their numbers. To counter this, WhatsApp plans to implement “username keys.” This optional security measure would require unknown users to enter the correct username key before they can place a call, providing an effective barrier against unwanted communication.
Beyond username-based calling, WhatsApp is also developing a host of other features. These include the ability to set a cover photo for profiles, improved in-chat storage management, new filters for media and stickers, limits on messages for new chats, and a channel quiz feature. There’s currently no official timeline for when these features will be rolled out, or if all of them will make it to the final user versions. They are typically tested extensively on the beta channel before a wider release.