WhatsApp has announced a major privacy update that will allow users to communicate using unique usernames instead of sharing their phone numbers. The feature, which will roll out gradually to the platform’s three billion users over the coming months, aims to give people greater control over their personal information, particularly in group chats and interactions with unfamiliar contacts.
Users will be able to reserve, modify, or remove their usernames at any time through the mobile app. Usernames can contain up to 35 characters, while certain high-profile names belonging to public officials and celebrities will remain protected from public use. Once activated, people will be able to connect solely through usernames, with phone numbers remaining hidden from other users.
Meta says the update strengthens privacy without compromising safety. Existing tools to block and report abusive accounts will remain available, and optional security keys can provide an additional layer of protection by requiring both a username and a unique code for contact requests. The company also claims its systems actively monitor and prevent suspicious behavior and scam patterns.
The move mirrors similar functionality introduced by Signal in 2024 and reflects growing demand for privacy-focused communication tools. Although private messages on WhatsApp remain protected by end-to-end encryption, critics continue to raise concerns about Meta’s broader use of metadata and account information for advertising purposes.
Businesses, creators, and organizations will also gain the ability to secure consistent identities across Meta platforms, including Facebook and Instagram. However, ordinary users seeking identical usernames across services may need to link their accounts through Meta’s Accounts Centre.
The new feature marks one of WhatsApp’s biggest identity and privacy updates in years, offering users a safer and more flexible way to connect while keeping their personal phone numbers out of public view.
