The Meta-owned service announced that users can start reserving their usernames this week, with a phased rollout planned for its over three billion users in the coming months.
After the rollout concludes, those who opt for the username feature will be able to initiate conversations by providing only their username instead of their phone number. While phone numbers will still be required to set up a WhatsApp account, they will remain invisible to individuals being contacted for the first time if the username option is activated.
This initiative is intended to grant users more control over their privacy, especially when engaging with new acquaintances or participating in group chats where revealing personal phone numbers may be unwanted.
“Sometimes you just want to chat without handing over your digits,” WhatsApp mentioned in a blog post about the new feature.
Usernames will be optional and can be modified or deleted at any time. They will have a limit of 35 characters, and users can reserve a username via **Settings > Account > Username** in the latest app version.
To mitigate impersonation risks, WhatsApp has reserved usernames for select public figures, creators, businesses, and organizations. Eligible users can also claim the username they already utilize on Instagram or Facebook.
In contrast to traditional social media platforms, WhatsApp clarified that there won’t be a public directory for usernames or search suggestions. Individuals must know a user’s exact username to initiate a connection. The platform will also introduce an optional username key that users can require others to enter before sending their first message.
This feature resembles a similar privacy-centric username system implemented by the rival messaging app Signal in 2024.
WhatsApp stated that this update is part of its larger initiative to enhance privacy controls while simplifying communication without compromising personal information.
