After years of user requests, WhatsApp is finally catching up with platforms like Telegram and Signal. The Meta-owned messaging app is working on a long-awaited feature—Usernames—that will allow users to connect without revealing their phone numbers.
What Are WhatsApp Usernames?
According to a report by WABetaInfo (via Tecnoblog), the latest beta build on TestFlight includes evidence of the new username feature. This change marks a major privacy shift: users will soon be able to share a unique username instead of their phone number when chatting with new contacts.
Here’s what that means:
- You can send your username instead of your phone number.
- If someone messages you without having your number saved, they’ll see your username by default.
This feature is designed to offer more control over who gets access to your personal information, especially helpful in group chats or with people outside your contact list.
Username Format and Rules
WhatsApp has laid out a few rules to help users create unique, secure usernames:
- Each username must contain at least one letter.
- Allowed characters include: lowercase letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), periods (.), and underscores (_).
- Usernames can’t begin with “www.”, to avoid confusion with web URLs.
Once your username is set, WhatsApp will celebrate with a fun confetti animation, much like the app’s current animations for profile picture updates.
What Happens If You Change WhatsApp Username?
If you change your username later, WhatsApp will notify your contacts via a system message in your chats—just like when you update your number or profile picture. It’s a small touch that helps maintain transparency in conversations.
Web Version Support
In addition to the mobile app, WhatsApp is preparing to bring username functionality to WhatsApp Web. A future update will allow users to check username availability directly from their browsers—useful for managing your identity across devices.
Still in Beta, But Not for Long
While WhatsApp hasn’t officially announced a release date, the username feature is clearly in active development. Considering the recent momentum (like the launch of WhatsApp for iPad), the feature could arrive sooner than expected.
A Major Win for Privacy
With usernames, WhatsApp is finally stepping up its privacy game. The feature offers a safer way to interact in large groups, public communities, or business settings—without exposing your phone number to strangers.
If you’re privacy-conscious, this update could be a game-changer. It might even push WhatsApp closer to feature parity with rivals like Telegram.
Would you use a WhatsApp username instead of your number? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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