WhatsApp Introduces Username Feature to Protect Phone Number Privacy

WhatsApp has begun rolling out a major privacy feature allowing users to reserve a unique username, enabling them to communicate without revealing their personal phone numbers. Initially, users can reserve usernames through the app’s settings, with a full feature launch planned to roll out gradually over the coming months. This update addresses a key privacy issue, as previously every new contact required sharing a phone number.

Users who activate the username option will be able to identify themselves solely by their unique username when contacted for the first time, keeping their phone number hidden. Creators, businesses, and organizations can claim the same usernames they use on Facebook or Instagram to maintain consistent identities across Meta platforms. WhatsApp has pre-reserved usernames for celebrities, public figures, and well-known organizations to reduce impersonation risks.

Unlike other social networks, WhatsApp will not offer a public user directory or allow searching by username; users must know the exact username to initiate contact. An optional security layer called "Username Key" will further restrict who can message a user initially. While usernames do not replace phone numbers for account registration, in some first-contact scenarios the username will appear instead of the phone number, enhancing user privacy control.

Currently, username reservation is available via Account settings or the profile screen on iPhone, but the feature is being activated in stages and may not yet be accessible to all users or regions. WhatsApp accelerated the username reservation phase to let as many users as possible secure their preferred names before the full rollout.