WhatsApp is rolling out a new feature allowing users to communicate without sharing their phone numbers, a shift Meta describes as a privacy-focused update. The platform, which serves 3 billion users globally, will gradually implement the ability to exchange usernames to initiate conversations over the coming months. A phone number will still be required to have a WhatsApp account in the first place.
How will the WhatsApp username system work?
Once the feature is fully active, users will be able to connect by swapping unique usernames rather than digits. Meta has announced that usernames will be limited to 35 characters. To prevent impersonation of public figures, the company will reserve specific handles for high-profile officials and celebrities, ensuring those names remain unavailable to the general public.
Will this change improve user privacy?
Alice Newton-Rex, head of product at WhatsApp, stated the update responds to user feedback regarding the desire to keep phone numbers private, particularly within group chats. However, industry experts remain skeptical of the platform’s broader data practices. Carisa Veliz, a professor at the University of Oxford and author of Privacy is Power, noted that while the username feature offers more control, it does not fundamentally change the company’s data collection model. According to Veliz, WhatsApp continues to collect significant metadata for marketing purposes, despite its end-to-end encryption protecting the actual content of messages.
How does this compare to other messaging apps?
The move by WhatsApp follows a similar implementation by the messaging service Signal, which introduced username-based communication in 2024. WhatsApp users who wish to keep their usernames consistent across Meta platforms—such as Instagram or Facebook—must link their accounts via the Meta Accounts Center. This process involves sharing data across services like Threads and Messenger.
Security and anti-spam measures
Concerns regarding potential scams and harassment have accompanied the announcement. In response to inquiries on X, the company stated that it employs “multiple layers of defense” to protect users. These include systems designed to detect and block patterns of abuse. Additionally, the platform plans to offer optional “username keys”—short numeric codes—that would restrict contact to only those who possess both the username and the specific key.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I reserve a username on WhatsApp Web? No. Currently, the option to reserve a name is not available in WhatsApp Web nor in the desktop version.
- Do I have to change my phone number? No. While you can communicate using a username, a phone number is still required to create and maintain your WhatsApp account.
- Will there be a public directory of usernames? No. Meta has confirmed that there will be no public-facing directory of usernames on the platform.
Are you planning to link your WhatsApp username to your other social media accounts, or do you prefer to keep them separate? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on digital privacy.
