WhatsApp is rolling out usernames in one of its biggest privacy updates in years. The change lets users chat without sharing their phone numbers. Meta announced the feature on Monday.
The billions who use WhatsApp can soon pick a unique username instead. They share that handle rather than a personal phone number. Meta said the move is designed to protect the privacy of your number. It marks a major shift away from phone numbers as the app’s core identity.
Restricting number access changes several common scenarios. Numbers will not be shared automatically when joining a large group chat. They also stay hidden when messaging a person or business for the first time. That removes a long-standing privacy friction point for users.
Discovery stays deliberately limited, too. There is no directory to browse and no account suggestions. People must know your exact username to contact you. That design keeps conversations focused on private connections, not public search.
Reserving your optional username takes just a few seconds on the latest version of WhatsApp – go to Settings > Account > Username.
The feature carries clear rules and added controls. Usernames must run three to 35 characters and include at least one letter. They allow only lowercase letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. An optional username key adds a second layer, requiring a key before strangers can message you.
Meta claims over three billion people use the app. Many may not get their first-choice handle as a result. The company opened username reservations on June 29 to ease the rush.
The rollout will reach users gradually over the coming months. Meta will notify users in each country when the feature opens there. Users can reserve a handle now via Settings, then Account, then Username. Creators, small businesses, and organizations can also claim usernames they already use on Facebook or Instagram, keeping a consistent identity across Meta’s apps.
