WhatsApp usernames are set to transform how people connect on the Meta-owned messaging platform, allowing users to start new conversations without sharing their phone numbers. The privacy-focused feature, rolling out later this year, aims to give users greater control over their personal information while making it easier to communicate with new contacts, businesses and organisations.
The update marks a significant shift from WhatsApp’s long-standing identity system, which has relied exclusively on mobile phone numbers since the app launched. Once the feature becomes available later this year, users will be able to reserve a unique username and use it as their primary identity when connecting with others.
The move is expected to benefit millions of users worldwide who have been seeking better control over who can access their personal phone numbers, particularly when joining groups, attending events, or interacting with people they have just met.
Privacy takes centre stage
According to WhatsApp, the introduction of usernames is primarily a privacy-focused update rather than an attempt to turn the messaging service into another social media platform.
The company noted that phone numbers are deeply connected to many aspects of users’ lives, making them sensitive personal information. Currently, anyone who wants to start a WhatsApp conversation must first obtain the other person’s phone number, a requirement that often forces users to share information they may prefer to keep private.
With usernames, people will instead be able to share a chosen identifier, allowing others to initiate conversations without ever seeing their phone number.
WhatsApp said this will be especially useful in situations such as meeting someone for the first time, participating in community groups, networking at professional events, or communicating with people outside one’s close circle.
How the new username system will work
The upcoming feature will allow each WhatsApp user to reserve one unique username that can be shared with others. Once usernames become available, new conversations will default to displaying the username rather than the user’s phone number.
Unlike platforms such as Instagram or X, however, WhatsApp’s usernames are not intended to function as public social media handles.
The company clarified that there will be no searchable directory of usernames, no public profile discovery, and no recommendation system suggesting people to follow or contact. This means users will only be reachable by those who already know their chosen username.
WhatsApp also confirmed that usernames do not have to match handles used on Instagram, Facebook, or any other social media platform.
Users can reserve usernames now
Although the feature itself will roll out later this year, WhatsApp has already begun allowing users to reserve their preferred usernames.
To do so, users need to update to the latest version of WhatsApp, open Settings, select Account, and then choose the Username option.
The company said users who reserve a username will receive a notification once the feature becomes fully active.
WhatsApp is also introducing a built-in username generator to help people create unique names if their preferred choice is unavailable.
“For most people, choosing a WhatsApp username should be something unique that only people you want to contact you will know,” the company said while announcing the feature.
Support for creators and businesses
The update is also aimed at content creators, small businesses, and organisations that rely on WhatsApp to communicate with customers.
WhatsApp confirmed that eligible creators, businesses, and organisations will be able to claim the same username they already use on Instagram or Facebook, helping maintain consistent branding across Meta’s platforms.
This could simplify customer interactions by allowing users to recognise verified businesses more easily without needing to save phone numbers.
A major evolution for WhatsApp
The introduction of usernames represents one of the most significant changes to WhatsApp’s identity system since the messaging service was launched. While the platform has consistently added privacy features such as end-to-end encryption, disappearing messages, chat locks, and passkeys, the ability to communicate without revealing a phone number addresses one of users’ most frequently requested privacy concerns.
By replacing phone numbers with usernames in new conversations, WhatsApp is aiming to make messaging safer and more flexible while preserving the private, direct communication that has long distinguished the platform from traditional social media networks.
The feature is expected to roll out globally later this year, with broader availability following its initial launch.
