Chandigarh | Updated: July 2, 2026
WhatsApp is introducing a new privacy-focused username feature that will allow users to connect with others without sharing their phone numbers.
The Meta-owned messaging platform has opened username reservations this week ahead of the feature’s gradual rollout later this year.
According to WhatsApp, usernames are aimed at offering users a more private way to connect, especially when interacting with new contacts, joining group chats, or communicating with people they do not want to share their personal number with.
The company said many users hesitate to share their phone numbers with people they have just met, as a mobile number is linked to several personal and digital services. The new username feature will allow people to chat without handing over their phone number.
WhatsApp said the feature will also be useful in group conversations, where users may want to participate without revealing their phone numbers to strangers.
With more than three billion users globally, WhatsApp said username reservations are being opened in advance so that users get a fair chance to claim their preferred usernames before the feature becomes widely available.
Users have been advised to choose unique usernames that are shared only with people they want to connect with. If a preferred username is already taken, WhatsApp’s built-in username generator will suggest available alternatives.
Creators, small businesses, and organizations will also be able to claim usernames similar to those they already use on Instagram or Facebook. This will help them maintain a consistent identity across Meta platforms.
WhatsApp has said the feature has been designed with privacy in mind. There will be no public directory and no username suggestions. This means users will need to know someone’s exact username to start a conversation.
The platform is also introducing an optional username key. If enabled, this feature will require a unique key before a user can receive a first message from someone new, adding another layer of privacy.
To reserve a username, users need to update WhatsApp to the latest version and go to Settings > Account > Username.
The company said the feature will roll out gradually over the coming months. Users will receive an in-app notification once username access becomes available in their country.
