Overview
- WABetaInfo found evidence in WhatsApp for Android beta version 2.25.33.2 of a feature to find, chat with, and call users by username.
- The Calls tab would gain a search that accepts a name, phone number, or username and surfaces limited public details chosen by the account owner.
- An optional “username key” is being tested as an access code so only approved contacts or people with the key can place username-based calls.
- WABetaInfo reports that calls initiated via usernames would retain WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption and the same calling features as number-based calls.
- The capability remains under development and is not available to public or broad beta users, with earlier traces on iOS suggesting a staged cross-platform rollout subject to change.