The story so far: WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that will allow users to connect with others without needing to share a personal phone number. The Meta-owned messaging service formally announced usernames for WhatsApp, starting this week, with the feature slated to be launched later in the year.
Here is what you need to know.
How will WhatsApp usernames work?
Starting this week, if you have a WhatsApp account, you can reserve the username that you hope to use once the feature is officially launched later in 2026. WhatsApp username reservations are already open, and reserving yours is a quick process.
Rival messaging services such as Signal and LINE have for years allowed users to share usernames in order to connect with others while keeping one’s phone number private. A username feature is especially handy for those who want to use secure messaging services in order to connect with businesses, run errands, coordinate deliveries, contact service providers, etc. but also want to keep their number from being circulated or spammed.
Soon, WhatsApp will join the list of messaging platforms that allow users to connect via both phone numbers and usernames.
Who can see my username?
This is entirely up to the WhatsApp user. What’s more, an optional username key—or a series of numbers shared with a user while creating their WhatsApp username—gives users control over who can contact them via their username.
WhatsApp also noted there was no directory of usernames, and stressed that auto-suggested usernames would not be made available to WhatsApp users trying to figure out another person’s handle. Users will have to know each other’s exact usernames (and/or their username keys) in order to contact one another for the first time.
Username reservations are also available on the WhatsApp Business app.
“Once we launch usernames, when you message a person or business for the first time they will no longer see your phone number, if you enabled your username,” stated WhatsApp in a blog post.
However, note that phone numbers are not being phased out. They will still be required in order to use WhatsApp and register one’s account. However, users can now choose to communicate via usernames, and thus keep their phone number hidden.
How can I reserve my WhatsApp username?
In order to do this, make sure your WhatsApp app is updated to the latest version on mobile. Go to the ‘Settings’ section, select ‘Account,’ and then go to the ‘Username’ section in order to make your choice. You can incorporate letters, numbers, and a few special characters. In case you have trouble coming up with a particularly witty username, Meta has a username generator to help you choose what fits your needs best. You will not be allowed to register a username that someone has already taken.
Businesses, creators, and other organisations can claim their Instagram/Facebook username as their WhatsApp username, if eligible for the same.
What about scams and fake usernames?
Many WhatsApp users took to social media to express their worries about scams such as digital arrests that might be enabled by fake usernames.
In response, WhatsApp said that it had “multiple layers of defense” in place, such as username keys to limit unknown contacts, limits on how many new people any account can contact, system-based abuse detection, and reporting facilities for users. The use of celebrity or official usernames will also be monitored for safety reasons.
WhatsApp said it will be rolling out usernames gradually over the coming months.
Published – June 30, 2026 02:41 pm IST
