WhatsApp is getting usernames so you can finally stop sharing your phone number

WhatsApp is finally getting a feature that's so basic one has to wonder why it wasn't there in the first place: usernames.

That's right, the Meta-owned app still doesn't let you log in with a username and password, instead requiring you to punch in your phone number. But this appears to be changing.

According to WABetaInfo, which tracks WhatsApp beta features, a new WhatsApp beta (version 25.17.10.70), the company is currently working on adding usernames, though the feature isn't yet available for testing.