WhatsApp to introduce usernames, allowing users to connect without sharing phone numbers

New Delhi: WhatsApp is set to introduce a username feature that will allow users to connect without sharing their phone numbers, marking one of the messaging platform's biggest privacy updates in recent years.

The Meta-owned platform said the feature is designed to better protect users' phone numbers and will gradually roll out later this year. WhatsApp, which has more than three billion users worldwide, has so far relied entirely on phone numbers to identify and connect users.

According to the company, usernames will make it possible to message someone without automatically revealing a phone number in certain situations, such as when contacting a person or business for the first time or when participating in large group chats.

How the feature will work

Users will be able to create a unique username that others can use to contact them instead of their phone number.

WhatsApp said usernames must be between three and 35 characters. Unlike social media platforms, there will be no searchable directory or username suggestions. People will need to know a user's exact username before they can send the first message.

The company is also introducing a "username key," an additional privacy feature that allows users to control who can contact them for the first time using their username. The key can be changed whenever required.

To help users who are unable to find an available name, WhatsApp will also offer a username generator.

How to reserve a username

Users with the latest version of WhatsApp can reserve a username by following these steps:

Open Settings

Tap Account

Select Username

WhatsApp said the reservation process takes only a few seconds.

Support for businesses and creators

Businesses, organisations and content creators with existing Instagram or Facebook accounts will be able to reserve the same username on WhatsApp to maintain a consistent identity across Meta's platforms.

Measures against impersonation

To reduce the risk of impersonation, WhatsApp said it will reserve certain usernames associated with celebrities, public figures, government bodies and other high-profile entities. These names will not be available for general users.

Phased rollout

The company said users can begin reserving usernames starting this week, while the feature itself will be introduced later this year in a phased rollout across countries.

Users will receive an in-app notification once the feature becomes available in their region.

Explaining the early reservation process, WhatsApp said opening reservations in advance would give users a better chance of securing their preferred usernames, especially given its user base of more than three billion people.

Kunal Shah highlights privacy focus

WhatsApp's Head, Kunal Shah, also announced the feature on X, encouraging users to reserve their usernames early.

"Timing is everything. Join WhatsApp early enough to claim my username before we release this to the world. Time to get yours. A more private way to connect. Coming soon to your WhatsApp," he wrote.