WhatsApp Rolls Out Usernames, Enhancing Privacy for Over 3.3 Billion Users

WhatsApp has officially launched its most requested feature: usernames. This update allows the app's more than 3.3 billion users to create a unique screen name, enabling them to connect with others without exchanging personal phone numbers.

The new feature aims to enhance user privacy by providing an alternative to direct phone number sharing. "Your phone number is personal and sometimes you want to connect without handing it over. That’s why we’re introducing usernames for WhatsApp," the company announced on X, formerly Twitter.

To secure a username, users must ensure their WhatsApp application is updated to the latest version. A notification will appear within the app when the feature becomes available, after which users can navigate to Settings, then Account, and select Username to reserve their preferred name. The company noted that reservations would be open during the current week.

For creators, small businesses, and organizations seeking a consistent online presence, WhatsApp has introduced an option to claim existing Instagram or Facebook usernames. This provision is intended to prevent conflicts for well-known individuals and entities.

Once the username feature is fully implemented, users initiating a message with a new contact will no longer see the sender's phone number if the username feature is enabled. WhatsApp is also providing a username generator to assist users in selecting a name.

Alice Newton-Rex, vice president of Product at WhatsApp, stated in a press release that usernames are a step toward making the app more private. "There’s no directory to browse and no suggestions – people will need to know your exact username to contact you for the first time," she explained. She also mentioned the inclusion of an optional four-digit key, which can be attached to a username to further control who can initiate contact.

The rollout has been met with positive reception from users who have long advocated for such a privacy enhancement. "This is actually a huge privacy upgrade. Sometimes you just want to connect without sharing your personal line," one user commented on X.

Usernames do not replace the requirement for a phone number for registration and initial app usage. This move by WhatsApp follows a similar feature introduced by the messaging app Signal in 2024, which is known for its strong encryption and privacy focus.