WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.22.9: what's new?

WhatsApp has released a new Android update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.25.22.9.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is working on a feature that allows users to configure a username key, and it will be available in a future update!

In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.17.48 update, we announced that a feature to reduce unwanted messages by setting up a username PIN was under development. This feature is designed to provide users with greater control over who can contact them by requiring a PIN before a message can be sent to a username. To ensure users are aware of this added layer of protection, WhatsApp will display a prominent informational banner at the top of the Chats tab for anyone who has set a username but has not yet enabled a PIN. It seems that WhatsApp is continuing to invest in the development of the username feature, this time by introducing refinements aimed at helping users better understand how it works. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.22.9 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is working on a feature that allows users to configure a username key!

As you can see from the attached screenshot, WhatsApp is exploring the implementation of a feature that will let users choose a username key, scheduled for release in a future update. The term "username key" is essentially a rebranding of what was previously known as the "username PIN". Although the functionality remains the same, WhatsApp appears to be focusing on clarifying the concept for users. Username key better reflects its purpose: a unique code that unlocks the ability for someone to contact you via your username.

When users set a username, it means that anyone who knows that username can potentially reach out to them. While this is the core idea behind usernames (allowing others to message you without knowing your phone number), it might understandably raise concerns for some. Users who wish to avoid unsolicited interactions may be hesitant to enable this feature. That's exactly why WhatsApp will introduce this optional barrier. As previously reported, users will be able to set up a key that must be entered by first-time contacts attempting to message them through their username. This will make it significantly harder for random people to send unwanted messages, even if they manage to guess or obtain the username.

Even if someone knows your username, they won't be able to initiate a conversation unless they also have your key, but only if you've configured one. For example, not having a username key might be useful in public communities where users want to be easily reachable. On the other hand, enabling the key is ideal if users want to limit conversations to trusted accounts only, such as friends or coworkers who they've shared both the username and key with. This will reduce unwanted messages sent to your username, making the communication more intentional and controlled.

Some users may think of the key as a secret code, and that's partially true. But it's important to understand that the key is designed to be shared with people you want to connect with. In fact, keeping it completely private would defeat the purpose, since no one could reach out to you at all if you configured the key, even those you actually want to hear from. It would be like installing a door with a lock and never giving anyone the key. This is one of the reasons why WhatsApp is shifting from calling it a "PIN" to a "key".

The term "PIN" can also be misleading, as it might be confused with security features like two-step verification. In fact, some users might even be tempted to reuse the same code they use for two-step verification as their username PIN, that's something strongly discouraged. By renaming this feature, WhatsApp is not only aiming to improve clarity but also encouraging better security practices ahead of the official release. It makes clear that the key is not about protecting your account, but about controlling who will be able to contact you via your username.

A feature that allows users to configure a username key 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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