WhatsApp has announced the global rollout of a new username feature that will allow users to connect and chat without sharing their phone numbers.
The Meta-owned messaging platform said the feature will be introduced gradually over the coming months for its more than three billion users worldwide. Users will be able to reserve a unique username through the WhatsApp mobile app, although using one will remain optional.
Once activated, users can exchange usernames instead of phone numbers when starting conversations, giving them greater control over their privacy. Existing safety features, including the ability to block and report unwanted contacts, will remain available.
According to WhatsApp, usernames can contain up to 35 characters and may be changed or removed at any time. To reduce the risk of impersonation, usernames associated with high-profile public figures and verified accounts will be reserved.
WhatsApp’s Head of Product, Alice Newton-Rex, said the feature was developed in response to feedback from users who wanted a way to communicate without revealing their phone numbers, particularly in group chats.
The company also plans to let creators, businesses and organisations claim usernames that match their Instagram or Facebook accounts. Other users who want the same username across Meta platforms will need to link their accounts through the Meta Accounts Centre.
While the feature is expected to improve privacy, some experts have warned that it could also be exploited by scammers. In response, WhatsApp said it has implemented multiple security measures to detect and prevent abuse, including optional username keys that provide an extra layer of protection.
WhatsApp clarified that users will still need a valid phone number to create an account, but their number will no longer be visible to others once the username feature is fully enabled. The company also confirmed that there will be no public directory of usernames.
