WhatsApp, with over 2 billion users worldwide, has become a go-to platform for secure and seamless communication. Built around end-to-end encryption and phone number-based identity, it has maintained a simple yet effective model for messaging, calling, and group chats. However, as user expectations evolve and privacy concerns grow, WhatsApp is beginning to modernize how people connect.
In a long-awaited move, the platform is finally introducing usernames, allowing users to chat without sharing their phone numbers. This update marks a significant shift in WhatsApp’s approach, giving users more control, flexibility, and privacy in how they manage their digital identity.
Let’s dive into everything we know so far, from how usernames will work, the beta rollout, changes in contact notifications, and when this long-awaited feature might go public.
A Shift Away from Phone Numbers
Until now, WhatsApp required you to share your phone number to start a conversation. While this system worked well for close contacts, it came with privacy trade-offs. Whether you were joining a group, selling something online, or networking, your personal number was exposed to anyone you interacted with. With usernames, that’s set to change.
Just like Telegram or X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp will now let you create a unique username, a public identifier that can be shared with others instead of your phone number. This offers greater privacy, easier discovery, and an overall smoother user experience.
Username Feature Spotted in Beta
The first solid proof of this feature came from WABetaInfo, a reliable source for WhatsApp updates, which spotted the username functionality in WhatsApp beta. Although the feature hasn’t rolled out to all beta users yet, it’s being tested actively behind the scenes.
A new “Username” field is being added under Settings > Profile, right below your display name. The current beta version does not allow users to select or search usernames yet, indicating that WhatsApp is still developing the backend logic and infrastructure.
The introduction of usernames is part of WhatsApp’s broader effort to modernize the app and make user interactions more flexible, without compromising its end-to-end encryption and strong privacy standards.
How Will WhatsApp Usernames Work?
While the feature is still in early beta, several key aspects of how usernames will work have already emerged:
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Unique Identifiers
Each username will need to be unique across the entire WhatsApp ecosystem, much like a Twitter or Telegram handle. Once claimed, that username cannot be used by anyone else unless released or changed.
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Searchable Usernames
Eventually, users will be able to search for others using their username, without needing a phone number. This makes connecting with people faster and more secure, especially in professional or casual settings.
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No Need to Share Numbers
The biggest privacy win is that you won’t have to give your phone number to someone just to chat. Instead, you can share your username and receive messages without exposing your contact details.
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Username Privacy Settings
It’s expected that WhatsApp will allow you to control who can search for or message you via username, just like the existing controls for profile photos, status, and last seen. You might be able to allow only contacts, nobody, or everyone to find you via your username.
Username Changes Will Notify Your Contacts
In an interesting twist, WhatsApp plans to make username changes visible to your contacts. According to early findings, if you change your username, people who previously messaged you or have you in their contacts may receive a notification.
This mirrors how name or number changes are sometimes highlighted in chats today. The goal is to avoid confusion when someone you’ve been chatting with suddenly appears under a new username.
What Happens to Phone Numbers?
Usernames won’t replace phone numbers entirely, at least not right away. WhatsApp still uses your phone number as the core identifier linked to your account. However, usernames will be an additional layer on top of this foundation, meant to simplify how people connect.
So, your phone number will remain tied to your account for login and verification, but in many cases, you’ll no longer need to give it out for messaging or discovery. This approach preserves WhatsApp’s original architecture while offering a modern, username-based alternative for those who want it.
When Will WhatsApp Usernames Be Available?
As of July 2025, the feature is still under development in beta and has not been released to the general public. WhatsApp hasn’t issued an official announcement or timeline, but judging by the pace of development, the usernames feature could roll out to stable versions in late 2025 or early 2026.
WhatsApp usually conducts a phased rollout prior to a broad release:
- First, it appears in closed or public beta (as is happening now).
- Then, it’s tested with select regions or groups.
- Finally, it rolls out globally via a stable update.
If you’re interested in trying it out early, you can join the WhatsApp Beta Program on Android via the Google Play Store, though spots may be limited. iOS beta testers may see the feature in TestFlight later in the year.
A Long-Awaited Feature
The lack of usernames has been a frequent complaint among users who value privacy and convenience. With over 2 billion users globally, WhatsApp’s adoption of usernames is not just a minor feature update, it’s a fundamental shift in how communication can work on the platform.
The introduction of usernames is a game-changing update for WhatsApp. Whether you’re a privacy-conscious user, a small business owner, or use it for a casual chat, this feature has something for everyone.
WhatsApp is finally catching up to rivals like Telegram, which has long offered username-based chat initiation, public channels, and linkable profiles. This move brings WhatsApp in line with modern expectations around anonymity and discoverability, while preserving its core strengths like encryption and simplicity.
While we wait for more updates and a stable rollout, the message is clear, that WhatsApp is evolving, and usernames are just the beginning of a more flexible and user-friendly future.
