WhatsApp Introduces Usernames to Boost Privacy and Reduce Phone Number Sharing

WhatsApp has started rolling out reservations for its much-anticipated username feature, a move aimed at enhancing user privacy by allowing people to connect without revealing their phone numbers. The feature will be introduced gradually over the coming months, giving users an opportunity to secure their preferred usernames ahead of the full launch.

The new system is designed to make interactions with new contacts, businesses and large groups more private, while also providing users with greater control over how they are identified on the platform.

Privacy-focused feature aims to reduce phone number sharing

According to WhatsApp, the username feature will allow users to communicate with people they do not know without exposing their phone numbers. Once enabled, individuals messaging a person or business for the first time will see their username instead of their phone number.

Explaining the rationale behind the update, WhatsApp said in its official blog, "When someone new walks into your life - a classmate, a neighbor, someone you meet at an event - sharing a phone number can feel like a big step. That's because a phone number is personal and it's tied to so many parts of your life. Sometimes you just want to chat without handing over your digits."

The company noted that the feature will also be useful in large group conversations where users may prefer not to share personal contact details with unfamiliar participants.

To strengthen privacy protections, WhatsApp said there will be no public username directory or search suggestions. Instead, "people will need to know your exact username to contact you for the first time."

The platform is also introducing an optional username key, an additional security layer that requires both a username and a unique key before someone can initiate a conversation.

Early reservations open for billions of users

WhatsApp said it is opening reservations ahead of the official launch due to the sheer size of its global user base.

The company stated, "Starting this week, you can reserve a username to use later this year when we launch this feature. With over three billion people on WhatsApp a lot of names overlap, which is why we're opening reservations early so everyone has the opportunity to select the username that matters to them."

The reservation process is intended to give users a fair chance to secure their preferred handles before the feature becomes widely available.

Creators and businesses can maintain identity across Meta platforms

WhatsApp said creators, businesses and organisations will be able to reserve the same usernames they already use on Instagram or Facebook, helping them maintain a consistent identity across Meta's ecosystem.

Usernames can be up to 35 characters long and may include letters, numbers, dots and underscores. Users will also be able to change or remove their usernames whenever they choose.

To reserve a username, users need to update WhatsApp to the latest version, navigate to Settings, select Account, and then tap Username to choose their preferred handle.

The company added that the rollout will occur in phases, with users receiving an in-app notification when the feature becomes available in their region.

(With inputs from ANI)