WhatsApp to introduce usernames, ending need to share phone numbers

WhatsApp is rolling out a new privacy-focused feature that will allow its three billion users to communicate using unique usernames rather than sharing their personal phone numbers.

The change, which is being deployed globally over the coming months, is designed to give users more control over their personal information, particularly when interacting in group chats or with people they do not know well.

The primary advantage of this feature is enhanced privacy. By replacing visible phone numbers with usernames of up to 35 characters, users can avoid sharing their primary contact details with strangers or businesses.

To maintain security, WhatsApp has confirmed there will be no public directory of usernames, and account holders will still be able to block or report unwanted messages.

For those concerned about unwanted contact, the platform plans to offer optional “username keys”– short numeric codes that must be shared alongside a username to initiate a conversation.

However, the move has drawn mixed reactions from privacy experts. While the feature offers a layer of protection, critics argue that WhatsApp’s parent company, Meta, has a poor history regarding data privacy.

Professor Carisa Veliz of Oxford University noted that while the username feature is a positive step, it does not change the fact that the app collects significant metadata about its users for advertising purposes.

There are also concerns that usernames could make it easier for scammers to operate on the platform. In response, WhatsApp has stated that it has “multiple layers of defence” in place to detect and block abuse patterns.

For users interested in the feature, the option to reserve a name will appear in account or profile settings once it becomes available on their device. The platform also plans to allow creators and businesses to claim the same usernames they use on Instagram or Facebook to ensure branding consistency, though this will require linking accounts through Meta’s Accounts Centre.

Despite these additions, users will still be required to provide a phone number to register for a WhatsApp account in the first place.