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For years, WhatsApp has relied on phone numbers as the primary way people connect. While simple, that approach has also created a privacy challenge. Anyone with your number can potentially contact you, and your phone number is often exposed when you join large groups or message someone for the first time.
WhatsApp is now introducing a new feature designed to change that model. The platform will allow users to create unique usernames, enabling conversations without automatically revealing their phone numbers.
The update shifts WhatsApp closer to a username-based identity system while maintaining its focus on private messaging. Instead of sharing a phone number with new contacts, users will be able to provide a username that others can use to initiate conversations.
According to WhatsApp, phone numbers will no longer be automatically visible in situations such as first-time chats or when users are added to large group conversations. The number will remain hidden unless the user chooses to share it.
Usernames must contain between three and 35 characters and will be unique to each account. Unlike traditional social media platforms, however, WhatsApp is not introducing a public user directory or searchable profile database. Users will need to know the exact username to initiate contact.
Another notable addition is a “username key”. This optional feature acts as an additional layer of protection by allowing users to control who can send first-time messages through their username. The key can be updated whenever needed, providing additional control over unsolicited contact.
According to NDTV World, to help reduce impersonation attempts, WhatsApp says certain usernames associated with celebrities, public figures, government organizations, and other high-profile entities will be reserved and unavailable for general registration.
Businesses, organizations, and creators will also have the option to claim usernames that match their existing Instagram or Facebook identities, allowing greater consistency across Meta’s platforms.
From a cybersecurity and privacy perspective, reducing exposure of personal phone numbers can help limit unwanted contact, social engineering attempts, and targeted phishing campaigns. Separating identity from a permanent phone number adds another layer of protection, particularly for users participating in large communities or interacting with unfamiliar contacts.
The rollout will occur gradually. Username reservations are opening first, while the full feature will be introduced in stages over the coming months. Users will receive notifications within the app when the functionality becomes available in their region.
As messaging platforms continue evolving, username-based identities represent another step toward giving users greater control over the personal information they share online.
