WhatsApp is introducing a long-awaited usernames feature that will allow users to connect without revealing their phone numbers, marking one of the platform’s biggest privacy updates in years.
The Meta-owned messaging service said the feature will be rolled out gradually over the next few months to its more than three billion users worldwide. Beginning this week, eligible users can start reserving unique usernames through the app, although using one will remain optional.
Once fully deployed, users will be able to start conversations simply by exchanging usernames instead of phone numbers. Users will also retain the ability to block or report unwanted contacts.
Meta said the move is designed to give people greater control over their privacy, particularly when interacting in group chats or with new contacts.
“We’ve heard from users that they don’t always want to share their phone numbers in order to stay in touch with others,” said Alice Newton-Rex, WhatsApp’s Head of Product. “This feature gives users more control over how they choose to show up on WhatsApp.”
Usernames can contain up to 35 characters and can be changed or removed at any time. However, some names associated with high-profile public figures and celebrities will be reserved to prevent impersonation.
The username reservation option will appear under account or profile settings in the mobile app as it becomes available. It will not initially be accessible through WhatsApp Web or Desktop.
Meta said creators, businesses and organisations will be able to claim usernames that match their Instagram or Facebook accounts for brand consistency. Other users who want matching usernames across Meta’s platforms will need to link their accounts through the company’s Accounts Centre.
The update follows a similar feature introduced by Signal in 2024.
Despite the privacy enhancement, experts warn that the change does not eliminate broader concerns over data collection.
Carissa Véliz, professor at the University of Oxford and author of Privacy Is Power, said the feature improves privacy but does not fundamentally change WhatsApp’s data practices.
“WhatsApp is not a privacy-friendly app overall,” she said, noting that while message content remains protected by end-to-end encryption, the platform still collects metadata such as location information and account details for advertising purposes.
WhatsApp stressed that it does not use the content of private conversations for advertising because messages are encrypted and inaccessible to the company.
To address concerns about fraud and impersonation, WhatsApp said it has built multiple safeguards into the system. Users can choose to enable optional username keys, short numerical codes that must accompany a username before someone can initiate contact. The company also said its automated systems are designed to detect and block abusive behaviour.
There will be no public directory of usernames, and phone numbers will still be required to create a WhatsApp account, even though they will no longer need to be shared with other users.
The announcement comes shortly after Meta named Indian fintech entrepreneur Kunal Shah as the new head of WhatsApp, succeeding Will Cathcart, who stepped down after leading the platform for seven years.
The introduction of usernames aligns WhatsApp with other secure messaging platforms while reflecting growing demand for stronger privacy controls in an era of increasing concerns over online identity, data protection and digital security.
