WhatsApp to Introduce Usernames, Ending Need to Share Phone Numbers

WhatsApp is set to introduce usernames, allowing users to connect with friends, family and businesses without sharing their phone numbers in one of the platform's biggest privacy updates in recent years.

The announcement was made on Monday by Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, which said the feature is designed to give users greater control over their personal information while making it easier to communicate securely.

Under the new system, users will be able to choose unique usernames that others can use to find and message them instead of relying on their mobile phone numbers.

According to Meta, the feature is intended to protect users' privacy, particularly in situations where they interact with people for the first time or join large group conversations.

"Designed to protect the privacy of your phone number," the company said, explaining that phone numbers will no longer be automatically shared in situations such as joining large group chats or contacting a business or individual for the first time.

Meta said the new username system has been designed with privacy in mind.

Unlike some social media platforms, WhatsApp will not create a searchable directory of usernames or suggest users to others.

Instead, anyone wishing to contact another person must already know that individual's exact username.

"There's no directory to browse and no suggestions, so people need to know your exact username to contact you," the company said.

The feature will not become available to everyone immediately.

Meta said username reservations will be rolled out gradually across countries over the coming months, with users receiving notifications inside the app when the feature becomes available in their region.

Given WhatsApp's massive global user base, more than three billion monthly users according to Meta, the company acknowledged that not everyone will be able to secure their preferred username.

Meta also announced that creators, small businesses and organisations will be able to reserve WhatsApp usernames that match those they already use on its other platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.

The move is expected to make it easier for businesses and public figures to maintain a consistent digital identity across Meta's ecosystem while allowing users to identify verified contacts more easily.

The username feature marks another step in WhatsApp's broader push to strengthen user privacy while expanding how people connect on the messaging platform.