WhatsApp is rolling out its biggest privacy-focused updates yet by introducing usernames, allowing people to connect without revealing their phone numbers. The feature, announced by Meta, aims to make conversations safer and more private for the three million users of the platform while giving individuals, businesses and creators a much easier way to connect.
The company has opened username reservations before the global rollout, which allows users to claim their preferred handle before it is taken. Once the feature becomes available on an account, users can create a unique username through the app’s settings. Instead of exchanging phone numbers, people will be able to start conversations using these usernames, which adds an extra layer of privacy.
According to Meta, usernames will not be publicly searchable, meaning users will still need to know the exact username of the person they want to contact. This approach is designed to reduce unwanted messages and limit spam while protecting users’ personal information of the users. Phone numbers will remain necessary for creating a WhatsApp account, but they will no longer need to be shared during initial conversations.
To prevent impersonation, Meta has reserved usernames for well-known public figures, celebrities, brands, and organisations. Businesses will also have the option to reserve usernames that match their existing Facebook or Instagram handles, making it easier to maintain a consistent online identity across Meta’s platforms.
Users can reserve their preferred username by updating WhatsApp and navigating to Settings > Account > Username. The rollout is expected to take place gradually over the coming months, so availability may differ by region and device.
The introduction of Usernames marks a major evolution for WhatsApp, bringing it closer to messaging platforms such as Signal and Telegram, which already provide you with similar identity-based communication. As online privacy becomes more and more important, Meta believes this feature will help users communicate more easily while maintaining greater control over their personal information .
