WhatsApp has announced the introduction of a new feature that will allow users to chat without sharing their phone numbers, instead using unique usernames.
The update, which will be rolled out globally over the coming months, will be available to more than three billion users. From Monday, users will be able to reserve unique usernames within the app, although participation is optional.
According to the messaging platform, users will have the flexibility to create, change, or remove their usernames at any time. Once fully deployed, the feature will enable people to connect and exchange messages using usernames alone, removing the need to disclose phone numbers.
WhatsApp said the development is aimed at enhancing privacy, particularly for users interacting with strangers or participating in large group chats. Existing safety tools such as blocking and reporting will remain active.
Usernames will be limited to 35 characters, and while most names will be allowed, the platform said it will reserve certain high-profile usernames linked to public officials and celebrities to prevent impersonation.
WhatsApp’s Head of Product, Alice Newton-Rex, said the feature responds to user concerns about having to share personal phone numbers in order to communicate.
She added that the change is intended to give users greater control over their identity on the platform.
The update follows a similar rollout by messaging app Signal in 2024.
However, privacy experts have noted that while phone numbers will be hidden from other users, WhatsApp—owned by Meta—will still collect metadata such as who users communicate with and when, mainly for service and advertising-related purposes.
The company, however, reiterated that all personal chats remain protected by end-to-end encryption, meaning neither WhatsApp nor Meta can access message content.
Once fully implemented, phone numbers will no longer be visible in chats, though users will still need a valid phone number to register. WhatsApp also confirmed it will not introduce a public directory of usernames.
The platform says the feature is designed to strengthen privacy while maintaining existing security protections.
