As part of a major privacy-focused update, WhatsApp is introducing usernames that will allow users to send and receive messages without sharing their phone numbers.
The new feature, which will be rolled out gradually over the next few months, is optional and will be available to the messaging platform’s more than three billion users worldwide.
Once activated, people will be able to connect using unique usernames instead of exchanging phone numbers, making conversations more private, particularly in group chats and public communities.
Although phone numbers will still be required when creating a WhatsApp account, users who choose the username option will no longer have to reveal their numbers during chats initiated through usernames.
The company also confirmed that usernames can be changed or removed at any time, giving users flexibility over how they appear on the platform.
WhatsApp rolls out stronger privacy controls
According to WhatsApp, the new feature was developed after users expressed concerns about exposing their phone numbers while interacting with strangers or participating in large group conversations.
Alice Newton-Rex, WhatsApp’s Head of Product, said user feedback played a major role in the development of the feature.
“We had heard from users that they didn’t always want to share their phone numbers in order to be in contact with others, particularly in group chats,” she said.
She added, “The feature will give users control over how they choose to show up.”
To reduce the risk of impersonation, WhatsApp said usernames can contain up to 35 characters, but certain names associated with well-known public figures and celebrities will be restricted. As a result, users will not be able to register protected identities such as “Donald Trump” or other reserved names.
The company also said there will be no public directory where people can search for usernames, adding another layer of privacy for users.
Despite the change, WhatsApp confirmed that existing safety tools, including blocking and reporting unwanted contacts, will remain available.
Experts welcome the feature but raise privacy concerns
Privacy experts have described the username feature as a positive step but cautioned that it does not address all concerns surrounding user data.
Carisa Veliz, a professor at Oxford University and author of Privacy is Power, said the update improves privacy but does not change Meta’s broader data collection practices.
“It is a good feature, but even if it does offer more privacy, remember WhatsApp is not a privacy-friendly app overall,” she said.
“It collects much metadata about users for marketing purposes.”
She added, “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 maintains that its end-to-end encryption prevents the company from reading users’ private messages, Meta continues to collect certain metadata, including information about who users communicate with and when those interactions take place. The company says this information supports services across its wider platform, including advertising systems.
The introduction of usernames comes as WhatsApp continues expanding beyond personal messaging into business services, digital payments and artificial intelligence-powered features.
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The update also arrives during a leadership transition, with fintech entrepreneur Kunal Shah expected to take over as the platform’s new head following the departure of Will Cathcart after seven years in the role.
With the global rollout now underway, the username feature is expected to become one of WhatsApp’s most significant privacy improvements, giving users greater control over their personal information while making it easier to connect with others without exposing their phone numbers.
