WhatsApp users will soon be able to connect with others without sharing their phone numbers, as the messaging platform prepares to roll out a new username feature.
The update, announced by the Meta-owned app on Monday, will allow users to create unique usernames that can be used instead of phone numbers when starting conversations.
According to WhatsApp, the change is aimed at giving users greater privacy and control over their personal information.
“Designed to protect the privacy of your phone number,” the company said, the feature will make it possible for users to interact with people, groups and businesses without automatically revealing their contact details.
The move is expected to be particularly useful in situations such as joining large group chats or messaging someone for the first time, where phone numbers are currently visible to other participants.
WhatsApp also clarified that users will not be discoverable through a public directory.
“There’s no directory to browse and no suggestions, so people need to know your exact username to contact you,” the company said.
With more than three billion users worldwide, WhatsApp acknowledged that not everyone will be able to secure their preferred username. The platform plans to gradually introduce username reservations across different countries over the coming months and will notify users when the feature becomes available in their region.
Meta added that creators, organisations and small businesses will have the opportunity to reserve usernames already associated with their accounts on Facebook and Instagram, helping them maintain a consistent identity across the company’s platforms.
