WhatsApp is introducing usernames that will let users connect without sharing their phone numbers, in a privacy-focused update rolling out to its three billion users.
WhatsApp is rolling out usernames that will allow people to chat without revealing their phone numbers, as the Meta-owned messaging platform introduces one of its biggest privacy updates to date.
The feature will be introduced globally over the coming months for the app’s three billion users, with people able to begin reserving usernames from Monday (29.06.26).
Using a username will be optional, and users will be free to change or remove it at any time.
Once the rollout is complete, people will be able to connect simply by exchanging usernames instead of phone numbers, while existing options to block or report unwanted contacts will remain in place.
Usernames will be limited to 35 characters, although some names associated with high-profile public figures and celebrities will be unavailable to prevent impersonation.
WhatsApp said the feature is designed to give users greater control over their privacy.
Alice Newton-Rex, WhatsApp’s head of product, said: “We’ve heard from users that they don’t always want to share their phone numbers in order to be in contact with others, particularly in group chats.”
She added the feature would “give users control over how they choose to show up” on the platform.
The move mirrors a similar username system introduced by encrypted messaging rival Signal in 2024.
Privacy experts welcomed the additional protection but questioned how much difference it would make overall.
Carissa Véliz, professor at the University of Oxford and author of Privacy is Power, said: “It is a good feature, but even if it does offer more privacy, remember WhatsApp is not a privacy-friendly app overall.
“It collects much metadata about users for marketing purposes.
“We have to remember that WhatsApp is owned by Meta, one of the tech companies with the worst track records when it comes to privacy.”
While WhatsApp cannot read the contents of private conversations because they are protected by end-to-end encryption, Meta does collect metadata, including information about who users communicate with and when, to support advertising systems.
The company stressed there will be no public directory of usernames and that a phone number will still be required to create a WhatsApp account.
The announcement comes shortly after Meta confirmed Kunal Shah, founder of Indian fintech company Cred, will succeed Will Cathcart as head of WhatsApp following Cathcart’s decision to step down after seven years leading the platform.
WhatsApp to allow people to chat without revealing phone numbers through username feature
