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WhatsApp to Roll Out Usernames, Letting Users Chat Without Sharing Phone Numbers
WhatsApp is introducing usernames, allowing users to chat without sharing their phone numbers. The optional privacy feature will roll out globally over the coming months, giving the messaging app's more than 3 billion users a new way to connect while keeping their phone numbers private.
Key takeaways
WhatsApp is launching usernames for all users worldwide.
Users will be able to message each other without revealing their phone numbers.
The feature is optional and usernames can be changed or removed at any time.
WhatsApp says the update is designed to improve privacy, especially in group chats.
Privacy experts welcome the feature but say concerns remain over Meta's collection of user metadata.
WhatsApp is adding usernames for more private messaging
WhatsApp is finally introducing one of its most requested features: usernames.
The Meta-owned messaging platform announced that the feature will begin rolling out globally over the next few months. Once available, users will be able to create a unique username that others can use to find and message them without needing their phone number.
The update is designed to make conversations more private, particularly when interacting with people outside a user's contact list.
Despite the change, phone numbers will still be required when creating a WhatsApp account.
How WhatsApp usernames will work
Users will be able to reserve a unique username directly within the app. Creating a username is optional, and users can edit or remove it whenever they choose.
Usernames can contain up to 35 characters. However, WhatsApp says certain names associated with well-known public figures, celebrities and protected identities will not be available to help prevent impersonation and fraud.
The company also confirmed there will be no public directory where people can search for usernames, giving users greater control over who can contact them.
Why WhatsApp is introducing usernames
According to WhatsApp, the feature was developed after users said they were uncomfortable sharing their phone numbers in every conversation, particularly in large group chats and online communities.
The company says usernames will allow people to communicate more privately while still giving users the ability to block, report or restrict unwanted contacts.
The update is expected to benefit people who frequently join community groups, participate in public discussions or communicate with individuals they do not know personally.
Privacy experts say the update is a step forward
Privacy advocates have welcomed the new feature but say it does not address broader concerns about how user information is collected.
Encrypted messaging app Signal introduced a similar username system in 2024, allowing users to communicate without exposing their phone numbers.
Experts note that while WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption protects the content of private messages, Meta still collects metadata such as who users communicate with, when they interact and other account activity to support services across its platforms.
They argue that although usernames improve privacy from other users, they do not change how Meta handles account data behind the scenes.
WhatsApp says chats remain protected
WhatsApp maintains that it cannot read users' personal messages because conversations are protected by end-to-end encryption.
The company says message content is not used for advertising, although some account and usage information is collected to operate and improve its services.
Users will continue to have access to existing safety tools, including the ability to block, report and mute unwanted contacts.
What's next for WhatsApp?
The username rollout comes as WhatsApp continues expanding beyond personal messaging into business services, digital payments and artificial intelligence features.
As the feature becomes available worldwide, usernames are expected to give users a safer and more convenient way to connect without exposing their personal phone numbers, offering an additional layer of privacy while maintaining the app's familiar messaging experience.
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