New Delhi: Meta-owned WhatsApp has announced that it will soon roll out a username feature, allowing users to communicate without sharing their mobile numbers. The company said users will be able to reserve their preferred usernames starting this week, while the feature will be rolled out in phases by the end of the year.
According to WhatsApp, the feature is designed to enhance user privacy by enabling people to connect securely without revealing their personal phone numbers. It will be especially useful for users interacting with new contacts or joining group chats where they prefer not to share their mobile number.
WhatsApp head Kunal Shah shared details of the feature on social media platform X, saying he had already reserved his username and encouraged other users to do the same. He described it as a more private way to connect with others.
In a blog post, WhatsApp said there are many situations where users may want to start a conversation without disclosing their phone number, such as interacting with a new classmate, neighbour or someone they meet at an event. The company added that the feature would also benefit users joining community or group chats, including parents’ groups and local organisations.
With more than 3 billion users worldwide, WhatsApp said many people may have similar names. To address this, it is introducing username reservations so users can secure their preferred usernames before the wider rollout.
The company has advised users to choose usernames that are easy for trusted contacts to recognise while remaining private. An in-app username generator will also suggest available usernames.
For creators, businesses and organisations, WhatsApp will provide the option to reserve usernames matching their existing Instagram or Facebook accounts.
WhatsApp clarified that there will be no public username directory. Users will need to know the exact username to initiate a conversation. The platform will also introduce an optional username key, which users can enable to prevent anyone from sending them a first message without the required key.
To reserve a username, users will need to update to the latest version of WhatsApp and navigate to Settings > Account > Username. The feature will be released gradually across different countries over the coming months, with users receiving an in-app notification once it becomes available.
