MENLO PARK, California — WhatsApp is introducing a new username feature that will allow users to connect and chat without revealing their phone numbers, marking one of the platform’s biggest privacy updates in recent years.
The Meta-owned messaging service announced that the feature will be rolled out gradually over the coming months to its more than three billion users worldwide.
Once activated, people will be able to exchange unique usernames instead of phone numbers when starting conversations. Existing phone numbers will still be required to create and maintain a WhatsApp account, but they will no longer need to be shared with other users for messaging.
Usernames optional and customizable
WhatsApp said users can begin reserving usernames this week as the rollout begins, although availability will vary by account.
The company stressed that creating a username will be optional, and users will be free to change or remove it whenever they choose.
Usernames can contain up to 35 characters, while certain names associated with public figures, government officials and celebrities will be reserved to prevent impersonation.
There will also be no public directory of usernames, limiting the ability of strangers to search for users.
New privacy controls
According to WhatsApp, the feature is designed to give users greater control over their personal information, particularly when interacting with new contacts or participating in group conversations.
Alice Newton-Rex, WhatsApp’s Head of Product, said many users have expressed discomfort about sharing their personal phone numbers with people they do not know.
She said the username system is intended to provide greater flexibility over how users identify themselves on the platform while maintaining existing privacy protections.
The platform confirmed that users will continue to have access to blocking, reporting and other safety tools if they receive unwanted messages.
Business and creator support
Meta said businesses, creators and organisations will be able to claim usernames that match their existing Instagram or Facebook identities to maintain brand consistency across its platforms.
Individual users who want matching usernames across Meta services will be able to do so by linking their accounts through the company’s Accounts Centre.
Security measures against scams
The introduction of usernames has prompted concerns that scammers could exploit the feature to impersonate legitimate users.
WhatsApp said it has built multiple safeguards into the system, including automated detection of abusive activity and optional username security keys.
The additional security key is a short numerical code that can be attached to a username, allowing users to receive messages only from people who know both their username and its corresponding code.
Privacy concerns remain
While the username feature prevents users from exposing their phone numbers during conversations, privacy experts note that it does not change how Meta collects certain account information.
WhatsApp continues to protect private conversations with end-to-end encryption, meaning the company cannot read users’ personal messages.
However, Meta still collects limited account information and metadata, including general location and basic account details, to support its services and advertising systems.
The company said users should ensure they are running the latest version of WhatsApp, as the username option will appear automatically once it becomes available for their account.
The rollout is expected to continue globally over the coming months.
WhatsApp Introduces Usernames, Allowing Chats Without Sharing Phone Numbers
