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No More Phone Numbers? WhatsApp to Roll out Username Feature for Safer Chats

After some time, WhatsApp is finally ready to allow users to register a username in the app rather than utilising their phone number as their key identification.

This can be a security risk because you are essentially presenting your phone ID to whomever you interact with in the app.  Usernames provide an additional layer of separation between your online and real-life identities, which can be especially useful when dealing with businesses or people you don’t know in the app.

WhatsApp has begun telling business users about the upcoming change, with an official email outlining the procedures necessary to prepare for the username modification.

WhatsApp will soon support one of our most popular features: the opportunity to adopt a username.  This has significant benefits for both individuals and businesses: usernames provide consumers with an easy option to preserve their privacy by displaying their username rather than their phone number while interacting with others in 1:1 chats and groups.

WhatsApp says that the option to add a username to your account will be rolled out next year, providing more options to manage how you share your contact information.

For businesses, usernames allow you to simply establish your brand presence on WhatsApp using your name rather than your phone number, making it easier for customers to interact with you. Usernames will make it easier for consumers to message your business and give them peace of mind about their privacy – two good additions to the WhatsApp business messaging experience.

So like other social platforms, you’ll be able to create a unique brand identity in the app, which could be more aligned with how people are looking to connect. WhatsApp says that in order to facilitate this update, businesses will need to update their information before June 2026, in preparation for the change.

WhatsApp states that enterprises must also upgrade any related systems that rely on phone numbers (including CRMs) to incorporate these new identities. It could be a useful adjustment, or at least an option, for providing more security

and comfort in WhatsApp discussions with individuals you do not know in person. WhatsApp has not specified an official timetable for this to be implemented, but the June 2026 deadline for these system improvements suggests that it will arrive in the second half of next year.

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Related FAQs

What is the new WhatsApp username feature?

WhatsApp will soon allow users to create a unique username instead of using their phone number as their main identity.

Why is WhatsApp adding usernames?

The feature helps protect your privacy by letting others see your username instead of your phone number.

When will the username feature be available?

WhatsApp plans to roll out this feature next year, with full implementation expected before June 2026.

Who can use usernames on WhatsApp?

Both personal users and business accounts will be able to use usernames.