WhatsApp Could Soon Introduce Screen Sharing and Usernames

WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging platforms, with millions of users sending daily text messages and making video calls. It’s also easy to send screenshots or Web links to friends and family, but the platform doesn’t allow you to share your screen. This makes it awkward when you want to show someone a specific service or how to change settings on the phone. But that will soon be a thing of the past, as it’s been announced that WhatsApp will soon allow screen sharing and usernames.

Tip: learn how to restore a missing WhatsApp profile photo.

Sharing Is Caring

Every family has that one person who is the go-to for tech support. If that’s you, then you’ll know how frustrating it can be during a video call when you try to explain to someone what to tap. The best you can do is walk them through the actions step by step or take many screenshots while they try to decipher what’s going on. Luckily, family tech support is about to get much easier when WhatsApp rolls out its new features.

While it is only available to a few Android beta testers for now, screen sharing in WhatsApp allows you to share your display with others. In the video call window, the recipient sees a full image of your display instead of your face, making it easier to explain phone actions and settings. During a video call, you can find the screen-sharing button in the call control view, where you can also cancel the call, mute your video and audio and send a screenshot.

The functionality is earmarked for release with the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.11.19 and should be rolling out to more people in the coming weeks. It hasn’t been disclosed when it will be available for non-Android users.

In addition to screen sharing, WhatsApp is also planning to add usernames in a future update. This lets people add others to their contacts without needing a phone number, making it more secure and safer for users. It’s unclear how it will work, but in some leaked screenshots, it appears that users can create a unique username that others can search for.

Good to know: WhatsApp is making even more changes. Soon, it will also allow you to edit messages you have already sent.

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