WhatsApp is set to roll out a long-awaited username feature that will allow users to connect and communicate without revealing their phone numbers, marking one of the platform’s biggest privacy updates in recent years.
The Meta-owned messaging platform announced that the feature will be introduced globally over the coming months, giving its more than three billion users a new way to interact while maintaining greater control over their personal information.
Beginning Monday, users will be able to reserve unique usernames directly within the app. The feature will be optional, meaning users can continue using WhatsApp with their phone numbers if they prefer. Those who choose a username will also be able to edit or remove it at any time without affecting their existing accounts.
According to WhatsApp, usernames are designed to make conversations more private, particularly in situations where users may not feel comfortable sharing their personal phone numbers, such as group chats, community discussions, or first-time interactions.
Once the feature is fully available, users who connect through usernames will no longer see each other’s phone numbers during those interactions. However, a valid phone number will still be required when creating a WhatsApp account, ensuring that existing account verification and security measures remain in place.
To reduce the risk of impersonation, WhatsApp said usernames will be limited to 35 characters and will be subject to rules designed to prevent users from posing as celebrities, public figures, or well-known organizations. The company also confirmed that there will be no public directory where usernames can be searched, adding another layer of privacy for users.
Alice Newton-Rex, WhatsApp’s Lead for Product Development, said the decision was driven by user feedback, particularly from people who wanted alternative ways to stay connected without exposing their personal contact details.
She explained that many users, especially those participating in group conversations, have expressed a desire to communicate without automatically revealing their phone numbers. The new feature, she said, is intended to give people greater flexibility in deciding how they present themselves on the platform.
Despite the introduction of usernames, WhatsApp emphasized that its existing safety features—including blocking, reporting, and privacy controls—will continue to operate as normal, helping users manage unwanted interactions and protect their accounts.
The announcement comes during a period of leadership change for the messaging platform. Meta recently confirmed that Kunal Shah will become the new head of WhatsApp, succeeding Will Cathcart, who led the platform for the past seven years.
The addition of usernames represents a significant evolution for WhatsApp as it seeks to balance convenience with stronger privacy protections. By allowing users to communicate without routinely sharing phone numbers, the platform joins a growing number of messaging services that prioritize identity protection while maintaining secure, user-friendly communication.
Discover more from Scoop Hub
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
