WhatsApp Will Soon Use Usernames Instead of Phone Numbers

WhatsApp is testing usernames so users can connect without revealing phone numbers, boosting privacy and control in messaging.

Publish date: since 14 hour

WhatsApp Will Soon Use Usernames Instead of Phone Numbers

WhatsApp is gearing up to launch a major privacy feature: usernames. Soon, users may no longer need to share their phone numbers to chat, making the app more like Telegram and Signal, which already offer this option.

This change means you can connect with others using a unique username instead of revealing your personal phone number. It’s a big step toward giving users more control over their privacy on the platform.

How Will WhatsApp Usernames Work?

Early details show that users will create usernames with lowercase letters, numbers, dots, and underscores. A few rules apply:

Usernames must include at least one letter — no all-number or symbol names allowed.
Usernames can’t start with “www.” to avoid confusion with websites.
A confetti animation will celebrate successful username creation.

Once the feature rolls out, your username will replace your phone number in chats and groups where others don’t have your number saved. This is especially useful for public groups, businesses, and community chats.

WhatsApp will notify your contacts whenever you change your username, similar to how it alerts users about profile photo or phone number updates.

Web Feature to Check Username Availability

The WhatsApp web app will add a tool letting users check if their desired username is available before confirming it — a helpful addition for picking the perfect handle.

When Can We Expect Usernames?

There’s no official launch date yet. However, evidence of usernames appeared recently in WhatsApp’s iOS beta, suggesting the feature could arrive soon. It follows other new updates, including WhatsApp’s long-awaited iPad app.

With usernames, WhatsApp moves toward more private, flexible messaging and catches up with other modern chat platforms.

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WhatsApp Will Soon Use Usernames Instead of Phone Numbers

How Will WhatsApp Usernames Work?

Web Feature to Check Username Availability

When Can We Expect Usernames?

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