WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.18.2: what's new?

WhatsApp is rolling out a new update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.24.18.2.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is working on an advanced username feature with PIN support, and it will be available in a future update!

In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.11.15 update, we announced that WhatsApp was working on a feature to set up a username. This feature will allow users to choose a unique and memorable username for their accounts in the future, providing an additional layer of privacy. Although this feature is still in development, it seems WhatsApp is committed to further improving user communication by integrating new safety tools. Thanks to the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.18.2 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is working on an advanced username feature with PIN support!

As you can see from the attached screenshot, WhatsApp is exploring the implementation of an advanced username feature aimed at enhancing phone number privacy, scheduled for release in a future update. With this feature, people will be able to contact you on WhatsApp through your username, eliminating the need to share your phone number. This addition will provide users with greater flexibility in managing their privacy experience, as they can choose to use their username instead of their phone number for new interactions. It is important to note that people who have your phone number will continue to see it, but you can opt to use your username to start new conversations in the future.

To further enhance privacy, WhatsApp is also developing an optional PIN code feature for username. This PIN will act as an additional layer of privacy, particularly for people you haven't interacted with before. You will be able to choose a PIN of at least four digits that you are comfortable sharing with others, but this should never include private information, such as your two-step verification code. As a way to limit unwanted messages, other people will need to enter your PIN before they can contact your username for the first time. Once the PIN is set, users will have to share it with those they want to connect with. However, it's worth noting that people in existing conversations won't need to use the PIN. This is an optional feature designed to give you more control over who can reach you, ensuring that only those you choose can reach out to you initially through your username.

An advanced username feature with PIN support is under development and it will be available in a future update. We will keep you updated with an additional article as soon as we have more details to share about this feature.

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