Newsmakers

WhatsApp has announced a major privacy-focused update that will allow users to connect through unique usernames instead of revealing their mobile numbers. The feature, which is being introduced in phases, is designed to give users greater control over their personal information while interacting with new contacts, group members, and businesses.

The Meta-owned messaging platform has started rolling out username reservations ahead of the feature's wider launch later this year. Once available, users will be able to reserve a unique username and use it as their identity for first-time conversations, reducing the need to share their phone number with people they do not know.

According to WhatsApp, the update addresses a long-standing privacy concern associated with phone number-based messaging. The company said many users hesitate to share their personal numbers when meeting new people, joining community groups, or participating in public conversations. Usernames aim to offer a more private way to initiate communication while keeping phone numbers protected.

The company explained that the feature will be especially useful in situations such as neighbourhood groups, school communities, hobby clubs, or business interactions, where users may want to communicate without exposing their personal contact details.

To prevent misuse, WhatsApp has confirmed that usernames will not be publicly searchable. There will be no directory or username suggestions, meaning people will need to know a user's exact username before sending a message for the first time. The company is also introducing an optional "username key," an additional security measure that requires both the username and the key before someone can initiate contact.

Despite the introduction of usernames, WhatsApp will continue to require a valid phone number for account registration and verification. Existing chats and contacts will continue to function as usual, while phone numbers already shared with saved contacts or visible in existing groups will remain unchanged.

WhatsApp is opening username reservations ahead of the full rollout because of its global user base, which now exceeds three billion people. The early reservation process is intended to give users enough time to secure their preferred usernames before the feature becomes widely available.

The platform also plans to support creators, businesses and organisations by allowing them to claim the same usernames they already use on Instagram or Facebook, helping them maintain a consistent identity across Meta's ecosystem. In addition, usernames for prominent public figures and organisations are being reserved to minimise the risk of impersonation.

Users can choose usernames between three and 35 characters long, using a combination of letters, numbers, periods and underscores. They will also have the flexibility to modify or remove their usernames whenever they wish.

To reserve a username, users need to update WhatsApp to the latest version, navigate to Settings > Account > Username, and follow the on-screen instructions. The feature will continue to roll out gradually across countries, with eligible users receiving an in-app notification once it becomes available in their region.

The announcement marks one of WhatsApp's biggest privacy enhancements in recent years, bringing the platform closer to other messaging services that already support username-based communication while maintaining its focus on secure and encrypted conversations.