WhatsApp may bring a new PIN lock feature: What it means for users, how it works and more

WhatsApp

WhatsApp has been testing usernames on its platform for several months. Now, the latest beta version of WhatsApp has revealed that the company is reportedly planning to add a PIN feature for usernames that will provide users more control over their privacy and security on the platform.

WABetaInfo has reported that the WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.24.18.2 includes PIN support while creating usernames. The feature is to add an additional layer of safety and privacy.

What is username PIN on WhatsApp

Username PIN is more like your profile PIN that will prevent someone random from initiating the chat. According to the report, users can set a PIN while setting up the username and it will enable them to prevent random people from contacting them on the platform. Moreover, other users who have someone’s username will need that PIN to initiate the chat.

That’s not it. Users can also choose whether they want others to see their phone numbers or usernames on WhatsApp.

WhatsApp is aiming at privacy

This isn’t the first feature that WhatsApp is testing which is aimed at offering more control to users. Apart from the usernames and PIN, WhatsApp has recently started testing a new feature called “Block messages from unknown accounts”.

In addition to this, the instant messaging platform has already rolled out several other privacy-centric features such as Block unknown callers, Privacy Dashboard and more.

Usernames and PIN rollout details

It is worth mentioning that both usernames and PIN features are currently in the testing phase and are currently available in WhatsApp for Android Beta. WhatsApp hasn’t revealed when it will be rolled out to the stable build. However, we expect it to arrive in the coming months.