WhatsApp Rolls Out Usernames to Replace Phone Numbers

WhatsApp is set to allow users to chat without sharing their phone numbers by enabling them to exchange unique usernames instead. This new feature will be rolled out globally to the platform's three billion account holders over the next few months, according to an announcement from the company.

Beginning Monday, users will have the opportunity to reserve a username within the app, though this will not be mandatory. The company stated that users will have the ability to remove or change their usernames at any time. Once fully implemented, WhatsApp users will be able to connect by exchanging only usernames. The platform will retain existing options for blocking or reporting unwanted messages.

Usernames will be capped at 35 characters. While there will be few restrictions, certain high-profile individuals and celebrities will have their names reserved and unavailable to others. The Meta-owned company has described usernames as a privacy enhancement.

Alice Newton-Rex, WhatsApp's head of product, noted that some users have expressed a desire not to share their phone numbers for communication, particularly in group chats. She expressed hope that the feature will "give users control over how they choose to show up" on the app.