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By Lawrence Agbo
Meta has announced a major privacy upgrade for WhatsApp, introducing usernames that will allow users to connect with others without sharing their phone numbers.
The new feature, announced on Monday, is designed to give users greater control over their personal information by replacing phone numbers with unique usernames in many interactions.
According to the company, users will soon be able to reserve personalised usernames, which will later serve as their public identity on the messaging platform.
Explaining the update in a post on WhatsApp’s official X account, Meta said the feature is intended to better protect users’ privacy, especially when interacting with people outside their contact list.
“Your phone number is personal and sometimes you want to connect without handing it over. That’s why we’re introducing usernames for WhatsApp,” the company stated.
Meta said users can begin reserving usernames this week by updating to the latest version of WhatsApp and navigating to Settings > Account > Username.
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The reservation process is being rolled out gradually, with users receiving notifications through the app once the feature becomes available in their region.
Once fully launched, phone numbers will no longer be automatically displayed when users join large group chats or initiate conversations with individuals and businesses for the first time.
The company noted that people will only be able to contact another user if they know that person’s exact username, as WhatsApp will not include a searchable directory or username suggestions.
Because of WhatsApp’s global user base of more than three billion people, Meta acknowledged that some users may not be able to secure their preferred usernames.
The technology giant also revealed that creators, businesses and organisations will be able to claim usernames already associated with their Facebook or Instagram accounts, making it easier to maintain a consistent identity across Meta’s platforms.
Meta said the global rollout of username reservations will continue over the coming months as part of its broader effort to enhance privacy and security on WhatsApp.
