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WhatsApp announces username feature: a new era coming instead of phone numbers
WhatsApp is launching a new feature that will affect its 3 billion users, allowing them to communicate using a username instead of a phone number. Users will be able to chat with others without sharing their phone number, as the feature rolls out gradually this year.
WhatsApp is starting a new era for over 3 billion users worldwide. The company is rolling out a feature that will identify users by a username instead of a phone number.
Username era begins
The popular messaging app under Meta's umbrella announced on Monday that users will soon be able to reserve unique usernames, with a broad rollout of the feature expected this year.
With the new system, users will be discoverable and able to communicate using only their usernames. WhatsApp is used in over 180 countries and 60 languages.
Why the change?
According to the company, this step aims to improve the platform's privacy features, which have long been criticized over its data protection practices. WhatsApp's Vice President of Product, Alice Newton-Rex, said: "We designed it as a core privacy feature."
In a blog post, WhatsApp stated: "When someone new enters your life—a classmate, a neighbor, or someone you meet at an event—sharing your phone number can feel like a big step. Because your phone number is personal and connected to many parts 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. 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 who already have accounts on other Meta platforms like Instagram and Facebook will be able to request the same usernames on WhatsApp.
To reserve a username, users must download the latest version of WhatsApp and follow the path: Settings > Account > Username. This can only be done via a smartphone; reservations are not possible through WhatsApp Web or Desktop.
Additional security measures
WhatsApp said that optional username keys (short numeric codes) can be added, so that only those who have both the username and the key can contact a user.
To combat spam accounts, the number of new people each account can contact 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 it will gradually roll out the username feature in the coming months, and will notify users via the app when the feature becomes available in their country. However, no exact timeline was given. The company recommends that users download the latest version of WhatsApp and follow updates.
WhatsApp's current privacy settings are limited to blocking individual users and muting unknown callers.
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