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WhatsApp Adds Optional Usernames for Enhanced Privacy
WhatsApp is planning a major update in 2026 that will allow users to create unique usernames, enabling them to connect and chat without sharing their phone numbers.
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This optional feature will supplement—not replace—phone numbers, providing an additional layer of privacy and security.
Why Usernames Matter
Currently, users’ phone numbers serve as their primary identifier, which can expose personal information to strangers or businesses. By introducing usernames, WhatsApp aims to separate online identity from real-life contact details, making interactions safer, especially in business communications and large group chats.
Beta Testing Shows Username Feature in Action
The feature is currently in beta testing. Users will be able to:
- Set a unique username in their profile settings.
- Allow others to find and message them using that username.
- Hide their phone numbers from non-contacts in certain contexts.
This approach mirrors privacy-focused features seen on Telegram, Instagram, and X, marking one of the platform’s most significant privacy enhancements in years.
Timeline and Business Impact
WhatsApp has informed business users to prepare for the update, introducing a Business-Scoped User ID (BSUID) to complement usernames. Businesses will have until June 2026 to update their systems, making it easier to connect with customers based on names rather than phone numbers.
Rules for Usernames
Usernames are expected to include letters and numbers, with limited special characters (periods and underscores). Misleading formats, such as starting with “www.” or ending with “.com,” will not be allowed.
A Shift Toward a Privacy-First Model
This update signals a fundamental shift in WhatsApp’s identity model, moving from phone number-centric communication to a username-based system that gives users greater control over their personal information and interactions on the platform.
