After years of waiting, WhatsApp surprised this Monday opening reservations for usernames that will be deployed in the coming months. Once they are available, you can give someone your username instead of your number and that person will be able to write to you using only that identifier.
WhatsApp cites privacy as one of the main reasons for introducing usernames. And, on paper, it makes sense. Many people may feel more comfortable sharing a username instead of their real phone number. But at the same time guessing a username It’s easier than guessing a phone numberwhich raises the question to what extent usernames are a reliable security measure.
It is a more than reasonable doubt. If they replace phone numbers as a way for strangers to contact you, Can anyone who knows your username, who guesses it, or who wants to check who is behind a specific one write to you?
The answer is yes, at least in the default configuration. If someone has your exact username, they can write to you with it, just as anyone with your phone number can today. This can be risky if you reuse the same identifier on several social networks. If your username is the same or similar throughout your digital ecosystem, it is easy for someone who knows your profile on Instagram or Facebook can quickly find you on WhatsApp.
The company, aware of the risk, advises to avoid using the real name or any identifier that is already used in other servicesalthough it also gives the possibility in some cases to claim the existing Instagram or Facebook username on WhatsApp. On the other hand and for the sake of privacy, no public directory or search suggestionsso people can’t navigate by usernames like they can on Instagram or x.
How to activate the username password in WhatsApp
To prevent someone unwanted from writing to you, WhatsApp has implemented an additional security measure, but has to be configured by the user. It consists of a password that anyone who writes to you for the first time through your username will have to enter so that their messages reach you. With this active protection measure, They will not be able to establish contact with you without you having first provided it..
To activate the username password, go to Settings > Account > User namethe same place you configure it from. From there you can create, change or deactivate the key whenever you want.
Although an additional security measure is undoubtedly positive, it requires that someone who writes to you for the first time has to know both your username and password, something that can be heavy.
On the other hand, if you prefer to avoid all this, usernames are completely optional. You can continue using WhatsApp exactly the same as before and not configure any.