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WhatsApp announces username feature: A new era without phone numbers
WhatsApp is introducing a new feature affecting its 3 billion users, allowing communication via usernames instead of phone numbers. Users will be able to chat without sharing their numbers as the feature rolls out gradually this year.
WhatsApp is ushering in a new era for its over 3 billion users worldwide. The company is implementing a feature that will identify users by usernames instead of phone numbers.
The username era begins
The popular messaging app under Meta announced on Monday that users will soon be able to reserve unique usernames, with a broad rollout of the feature scheduled for this year.
With the new system, users will become findable and reachable solely by their usernames. WhatsApp is available in 60 languages across more than 180 countries.
Why the change?
According to the company, this move aims to improve the platform's privacy features, which have long faced criticism over data protection practices. WhatsApp Vice President of Product Alice Newton-Rex said, "We designed this as a core privacy feature."
In a blog post, WhatsApp stated: "When someone new enters your life—a classmate, neighbor, or someone you met at an event—sharing a phone number can feel like a big step. Because a phone number is personal and linked to many areas of your life. Sometimes you just want to chat without giving out your number."
How will usernames work?
Usernames will be between 3 and 35 characters long. To prevent impersonation, WhatsApp will reserve usernames for well-known individuals or groups such as celebrities, public figures, and government institutions.
Companies, organizations, and content creators with existing accounts on other Meta platforms like Instagram and Facebook will be able to claim the same username on WhatsApp.
To reserve a username, users need to download the latest version of WhatsApp and navigate to Settings > Account > Username. This action can only be done on a smartphone; reservation via WhatsApp Web or the desktop app is not possible.
Additional security measures
WhatsApp noted that optional username keys (short number codes) can be added, ensuring that only people who have both the username and the key can reach a user.
To combat spam accounts, the number of new contacts each account can communicate with will be limited. Additionally, the company's systems will now be able to detect and block "abuse patterns."
When will it be available?
WhatsApp announced that the username feature will be rolled out gradually in the coming months and that users will be notified via the app when the feature is available in their countries. However, no exact timeline was provided. The company recommends users download the latest version of WhatsApp and follow the app.
WhatsApp's current privacy settings are limited to blocking individual users and muting unknown callers.
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