WhatsApp to Introduce Username Feature: Chat Without Sharing Your Phone Number

WhatsApp, one of the world’s most popular messaging apps, is preparing to roll out a long-awaited privacy-focused feature — the ability to create and reserve a unique username. Much like Instagram, Telegram, or Signal, this new addition will allow users to chat without having to share their personal phone numbers, taking WhatsApp’s privacy protection to the next level.

WhatsApp Username Feature: What’s Coming

For years, WhatsApp accounts have been tied directly to a user’s mobile number, which made communication easy but also raised privacy concerns. Now, Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, is reportedly testing a username reservation feature that will change the way users connect.

According to reports, this feature has already been spotted in the Android beta version of WhatsApp. Once officially rolled out, users will be able to create a custom username that acts as their unique handle — similar to the way people use usernames on Instagram or X (formerly Twitter).

Once a username is set, others will be able to find or message the user without needing their phone number. This not only protects privacy but also simplifies communication for those who prefer not to disclose their personal contact details.

How the Username Feature Will Work

Users will soon see a new option under the app’s Settings to set or reserve their desired username. After choosing a name, it will be registered to their account, and no other person will be able to use the same handle.

This feature mirrors systems already implemented by other encrypted messaging apps like Signal, Telegram, and iMessage, where users can connect using a handle or email address instead of a number. Such systems have proven to make messaging safer, especially for those who communicate with people outside their immediate circle.

Why This Feature Was Needed

Ever since WhatsApp’s launch, the platform has required users to sign up and log in using their phone numbers. While this made account setup simple, it also meant that anyone who had your number could find or message you.

In many cases, users’ phone numbers were visible to strangers in group chats or business interactions, raising concerns over privacy, spam, and unwanted contact. Additionally, changing your phone number meant migrating your entire WhatsApp account — a process that often caused confusion and inconvenience.

By introducing the username feature, WhatsApp aims to fix all these issues. Once users can log in and be identified via usernames, changing phone numbers will no longer affect their accounts. It’s a major step toward giving people more control over their identity and privacy online.

Meta’s Long-Term Plans

Meta has been working on this feature for several years as part of its broader strategy to make WhatsApp more secure and user-friendly. The introduction of usernames also aligns with Meta’s plan to integrate cross-platform messaging across its apps — including WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram Direct.

Sources suggest that the username reservation system is being rolled out now so users can secure their preferred handles before the full feature launch. This pre-registration approach ensures that popular usernames don’t get duplicated or misused once the feature goes live.

A Step Toward Safer Conversations

The addition of usernames marks a new era for WhatsApp users, especially those who value discretion and privacy. Whether it’s for personal chats, business communication, or connecting with new contacts, users will soon be able to chat freely without worrying about revealing their phone number.

The feature is currently in testing but is expected to be available to all users in an upcoming update. Once launched globally, it will likely redefine how billions of users connect on WhatsApp — making messaging not just easier, but significantly more secure.

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