WhatsApp is introducing usernames that allow users to communicate without sharing their personal phone numbers with other contacts [1].
This shift marks a significant change in the platform's identity architecture. By decoupling accounts from phone numbers, the company aims to provide a higher level of privacy for users who join groups or chat with strangers [1].
Username reservations are currently open as of June 2026 [2]. This global rollout allows users to secure their preferred handles before the full feature set becomes available to the general public [2].
Meta Platforms, the parent company of WhatsApp, designed the system to ensure that users can still engage in chats and group interactions while keeping their primary contact information hidden [1]. The company said it has not yet specified the exact date for the full launch, though it is scheduled for later in 2026 [1].
Historically, WhatsApp required a verified phone number as the primary identifier for every account. This requirement often meant that users had to share their private numbers to connect with colleagues or acquaintances in professional or social groups. The new system intends to remove this barrier by allowing a username to serve as the point of contact [1].
Users worldwide can now access the reservation system to claim their handles [2]. The company said it is implementing this process globally to manage the demand for specific usernames before the functional tools for hiding phone numbers are fully integrated into the app [2].
“WhatsApp is introducing usernames that allow users to communicate without sharing their personal phone numbers”
This update transitions WhatsApp from a phone-centric directory to a handle-based social system similar to Telegram or X. By removing the necessity of sharing a phone number, Meta is reducing the friction and privacy risks associated with large group chats and professional networking, potentially increasing user growth in markets where privacy concerns are paramount.
