Essentially, what this means is that instead of exchanging mobile numbers, users will be able to simply give out their username when starting conversations with new contacts.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

As per reports by TelecomTalk the feature, which has been a long time coming, is currently being tested with a limited group of users across Android, iOS, web and desktop versions of the application before a wider rollout, which will happen later this year.

Among the biggest beneficiaries of the update will be businesses and online stores, since such accounts frequently interact with strangers online.

Public group members who may not want to expose their personal phone numbers, will also have the luxury of simply giving out their user names.

📌 What You Need to Know

After selecting the unique username, users can begin sharing it instead of their phone number when connecting with other people.

When communication is initiated using the username, only the handle will be displayed publicly, while the linked phone number will remain hidden from the new contact.

As per reports, each account will support one username at a time, although users will reportedly be allowed to change their usernames later without affecting existing chats, groups, or account history.

Only lowercase letters, numbers, periods, and underscores will be permitted. Additionally, usernames cannot begin with “www.” or end with website-style extensions such as “.com” or “.net”.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke