WhatsApp is preparing to roll out usernames, a feature that lets you chat with others on the platform without giving out your personal phone number — you’ll simply share your unique WhatsApp username.
WhatsApp first announced the intention of to provide this feature in 2024. Other privacy-focused chat apps such as Signal has supported usernames for a few years now.
Meta, which also owns Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, began allowing users to save their WhatsApp usernames on Monday, ahead of the feature’s official launch later this year.
Usernames will be the default way people see you on WhatsApp when enabled. If you want someone to have your phone number, you can share it whenever you want.
Privacy vs. phone numbers
Although phone numbers have long been a common way to communicate with others, they are also used as identifiers and are closely linked to our personal data.
In a blog post about the launch, WhatsApp says usernames help make the app a private way to connect.
“No directory to browse and no suggestions – people will need to know your exact username to contact you the first time,” the post said. Your username will be the default way new contacts see you, whether you’re added to a group chat or texting a new person or business.
A representative from WhatsApp confirmed to CNET via email that the feature “protects the privacy of your phone number from new contacts, so you’ll have to share it manually if you want them to have it.” If you already have that person’s number saved in your contacts list, nothing changes in the app.
Personally, I hope that username support provides some level of protection from the nightmare spam group chat from the app. Moving away from relying on a phone number can give you more control over who can and can’t text you within the app.
How to keep your username unique
WhatsApp has enabled you to reserve to protect your username. Once you do that, that username cannot be claimed for another account.
You can save your username by visiting You tab, tap Account and select a new one Username option.
The new username option is under Account settings.
Tapping it will bring up your username search page, with the option to search directly for your username on Instagram or Facebook.
WhatsApp will allow you to create a real username or use your username on another Meta-managed service such as Instagram or Facebook.
After selecting an option and filling in your preferred username, the page will inform you if the username you would like to use is still available.
Once you’ve verified your username, WhatsApp says you’ll receive a notification when username support is activated, which should happen in the coming months.
The Create Username screen will let you know if the moniker you want is still available.
Once the feature is officially activated, you will be able to be found by others by typing your username or by using both username and number key.