Say Goodbye to Sharing Your Number? WhatsApp Brings Usernames

WhatsApp is rolling out a username feature that will let users connect without sharing their phone numbers, marking one of the platform's biggest privacy upgrades. Username reservations have already begun, with the feature set to launch gradually over the coming months.

Currently, anyone with a user's phone number can start a conversation on WhatsApp. Once the feature is enabled, users can choose to communicate using a unique username instead, keeping their phone number hidden from new contacts. Phone numbers will still be required to register and use a WhatsApp account.

To protect privacy, WhatsApp said there will be no public username directory or search suggestions. Users will need to know the exact username to initiate contact. An optional username key , a unique numeric code linked to the username, will offer additional control over who can reach a user.

The feature is expected to benefit people communicating with businesses, delivery partners and service providers by reducing the need to share personal phone numbers. However, it has also raised concerns about impersonation and scams. WhatsApp said it will reserve usernames for celebrities, public figures and government entities while using automated abuse detection, contact limits and reporting tools to curb misuse.

To reserve a username, users should update WhatsApp to the latest version and go to Settings → Account → Username . Usernames must be 3–35 characters long and may include letters, numbers and certain special characters. Businesses, creators and eligible organisations can also claim matching usernames used on Instagram or Facebook.

With over 3 billion users worldwide, the feature gives WhatsApp users greater control over their privacy while maintaining the app's existing phone number-based account system.