WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.17.48: what's new?
WhatsApp has released a new Android update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.25.17.48.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is working on a feature to reduce unwanted messages by setting up a username PIN, and it will be available in a future update!
| Common questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature? | Banner for Username PIN |
| Status? | Under development |
| Availability? | WhatsApp is currently developing a feature to reduce unwanted messages by setting up a username PIN, which is expected to be released in a future update. |
| I've installed the update, but this feature isn't available. Why? | This feature is currently in development and not yet available for beta testing. In the meantime, you can read this article for a sneak peek. |
| Previous news? | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.17.43: what's new? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to manage notifications for recommended channels! |
BANNER FOR USERNAME PIN
In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.18.2 update, we announced that an advanced username feature with PIN support was under development. This new functionality is designed to give users more control over their privacy by allowing them to communicate using a unique username instead of their phone number. Additionally, WhatsApp plans to introduce an optional PIN code feature linked to usernames, which will be required for others to initiate a new conversation with the user. Although still in development, WhatsApp appears to be actively refining the username functionality ahead of its official beta release, aiming to provide users with a more optimized experience from the outset. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.17.48 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is working on a feature to reduce unwanted messages by setting up a username PIN!
As you can see from the attached screenshot, WhatsApp is exploring the implementation of a feature that will allow users to quickly add a layer of privacy protection to their usernames by configuring a PIN code, scheduled for release in a future update. WhatsApp is expected to actively recommend users to set up a PIN once they choose a username in the future. This PIN acts as a gatekeeper for first-time contacts, as if someone wants to message a user via their username, they must first enter the correct PIN. This means that even if someone knows your username, they will not be able to send you a message unless they also have your PIN. The feature is designed specifically to reduce the likelihood of receiving unsolicited or spam messages from unknown contacts.
The username PIN will provide an extra layer of privacy beyond simply setting a username. While usernames will allow users to hide their phone numbers, the PIN introduces a second level of control over who can initiate contact. If a user sets a username but doesn't configure a PIN, WhatsApp will show an informational banner at the top of the Chats tab, encouraging them to enable this feature for added protection. This proactive reminder is designed to help users strengthen their privacy settings, especially after choosing a username that could potentially be guessed or discovered by others. By integrating the PIN system, WhatsApp aims to make it significantly harder for unknown or unwanted accounts to message users at random.
WhatsApp is aware that usernames, especially those that are short, common, or easy to guess, are more likely to be targeted by unknown accounts. For this reason, WhatsApp will promote the use of a username PIN to act as a barrier against these kinds of interactions. With this system in place, only users who have both your username and your PIN will be able to initiate a conversation. This feature aims to put users in full control of who can contact them via their username. Users are free to share their PIN only with trusted people who they want to allow to start a chat. The recommendation banner acts as a reminder that setting up a PIN can significantly enhance the safety of username-based communication in the future.
A feature to reduce unwanted messages by setting up a username PIN 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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