WhatsApp began a worldwide rollout of a username feature this week to let users connect without revealing their phone numbers [1], [2].
This shift changes the fundamental way the app operates by decoupling a user's identity from their mobile number. For years, sharing a WhatsApp contact required sharing a private phone number, which often created privacy risks for users interacting with strangers or professional acquaintances.
The global rollout of the feature began June 29, 2026 [3]. Following the initial launch, the company opened username reservations today, June 30, 2026 [4].
According to a WhatsApp announcement, handles are first-come, first-served, and phone numbers stay private [4]. This system allows the app's 3 billion users to maintain a level of anonymity while still utilizing the platform's messaging capabilities [1].
"The feature is designed to give its three billion users a new layer of control over who can contact them," a WhatsApp spokesperson said [1].
The update aims to provide a new layer of privacy and control over contactability [1], [2]. By using a unique handle, users can share their identity in public forums, or business settings, without exposing the sensitive data associated with a SIM card.
Users can now navigate to their settings to claim a specific username before others do. Because the system operates on a first-come, first-served basis, high-demand handles are expected to be claimed quickly [4].
“Handles are first-come, first-served, and phone numbers stay private.”
This update moves WhatsApp closer to the architecture of platforms like Telegram and X, where usernames act as the primary public identifier. By removing the requirement to share phone numbers, Meta is addressing a long-standing privacy gap that previously limited the app's utility for professional networking and public-facing communication.
