WhatsApp U-turn: Now you can log in without a phone number; find out more

Recently, news released by WABetaInfo brought a significant change for Brazilian users of WhatsApp, one of the most popular messaging apps in the country.

The company responsible for the application, Meta, announced an update that disables the requirement to register a phone number to create an account on the application.

This is a long-awaited change for Brazilian users, who have a strong connection with WhatsApp. Previously, it was necessary to have a phone number to use the app, which limited access for those who did not have an active number.

Now, with the new update, users will be able to create an account just by typing their username, without the need for a phone number.

However, this change will bring some changes to the app’s features. The way contacts are searched, for example, will change. It will no longer be necessary to search using a phone number, as was the case previously. Now, you will simply need to type in the username to find the person you want.

When will users have access?

Although the news was released recently, the availability of this new functionality for users should still take a few days.

This is because Meta needs to make final adjustments and then the update will be gradually rolled out to other users. So, you’ll need to wait!

One question that has not yet been clarified by Meta is whether the application will continue to ask for the phone number, even though it is no longer mandatory.

Although this new feature is not a new innovation in terms of messaging apps, since others such as Instagram and Messenger already offer this option, it is a highly anticipated update for WhatsApp users. In addition, Telegram, Meta’s biggest rival, also has this change.

Version 23.12.0.74 of WhatsApp Beta for users with the iOS operating system will be the first to receive this update. However, it is worth remembering that the availability will be gradual for more devices and operating systems.