Starting Monday, WhatsApp's 3 billion users can pick a unique username - a move aimed at boosting privacy by enabling connections without exchanging phone numbers, according to Meta Platforms Inc., the app's owner. The company stated that reservations are open now, with full functionality slated for later in 2026.
Alice Newton-Rex, WhatsApp's product development lead, said the feature lets users control who can view their phone number, especially when meeting new people or participating in group chats. Meta characterized the update as a major privacy improvement.
"When you meet someone new, whether it's a classmate, a neighbor, or someone you meet at an event, sharing a phone number can feel like a big step," she added.
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Newton-Rex further noted that the feature is similar to identification systems on rival apps like Signal, which allows users to start conversations using a username rather than a phone number. Although usernames are commonly linked to social networking profiles, Newton-Rex emphasized that WhatsApp's implementation is primarily a privacy feature. For instance, there is no searchable directory of usernames, and users must know the exact username to initiate a chat.
To curb impersonation and fraud, Newton-Rex explained that during the reservation period WhatsApp has temporarily set aside the usernames already held on Facebook and Instagram for those account holders. Additionally, the platform will permanently block certain high-profile usernames associated with public figures, celebrities, and government bodies to prevent misuse by impostors.
"We think it will be successful if you have another way to feel safe on WhatsApp, to feel like you can keep your phone number private and you can feel confident to connect with new people if you want to," Newton-Rex said.
The announcement comes as Meta faces increasing pressure to offer privacy-focused features. With 3 billion users, WhatsApp is the world's most popular messaging app, and the introduction of usernames could help it compete with rivals like Signal, which has long offered a similar system.
This shift also reflects a broader industry trend toward minimizing the sharing of personal phone numbers. For Meta, which has faced scrutiny over data privacy practices, the username feature is another step in demonstrating a commitment to user control. The company's decision to reserve existing Facebook and Instagram usernames further ties together its ecosystem, encouraging cross-platform consistency while protecting brand identities.
The move aligns with Meta's ongoing efforts to address privacy concerns, a key issue for regulators and users alike. By enabling username-based communication, WhatsApp reduces the reliance on phone number sharing, a common vulnerability in digital interactions.
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