MENLO PARK, United States — WhatsApp will begin rolling out usernames that allow users to connect without sharing their phone numbers, marking one of the messaging platform’s biggest privacy updates in recent years.
The Meta-owned messaging service announced on Monday that the feature will enable users to create unique usernames, reducing the need to disclose personal phone numbers when communicating with new contacts, businesses or large group chats.
The company said the change is designed to strengthen user privacy while making it easier to interact with others on the platform.
“Instead, people will be able to pick unique usernames to share with others,” WhatsApp said in a statement, describing the feature as one “designed to protect the privacy of your phone number.”
Under the new system, users who message someone for the first time or join large group conversations will no longer have to reveal their phone numbers automatically. Contacts will instead be able to connect using a chosen username.
WhatsApp said it would also safeguard privacy by preventing public searches for usernames.
“There’s no directory to browse and no suggestions, so people need to know your exact username to contact you,” the company said.
With more than three billion users worldwide, WhatsApp acknowledged that not everyone will be able to secure their preferred username because each handle must be unique.
The company plans to roll out username reservations gradually over the coming months, with users receiving notifications when the feature becomes available in their respective countries.
The update also includes support for businesses and content creators using other Meta platforms.
According to the company, creators, small businesses and organisations will be able to reserve usernames that match those already used on Facebook or Instagram, helping maintain consistent digital identities across Meta’s ecosystem.