WhatsApp Is Finally Ditching Phone Numbers for Usernames
WhatsApp is finally catching up to the likes of Telegram and Signal with a feature users have been requesting for years: usernames.
This update will let users create a unique handle to connect with others, without giving out their phone number. While the feature hasn’t rolled out to beta testers yet, its appearance in the app’s backend code signals that WhatsApp is actively building and refining the new system.
Say goodbye to sharing your phone number
Until now, using WhatsApp meant handing over your personal number, which many users have found uncomfortable, especially when chatting in large groups, doing business, or meeting new people online. The upcoming username system solves this by allowing you to share a unique ID instead.
Here’s how it will work
According to WABetaInfo’s findings, usernames on WhatsApp will need to follow a few rules:
- They must include at least one letter
- They can’t start with “www.”
- They can use lowercase letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), periods, and underscores
- They must be between 3 and 30 characters
- Usernames can not end with a domain like .com or .net.
- Usernames can not start or end with a period.
This helps prevent spam and impersonation attempts while also giving users room to personalize their handles.
Once you’ve selected a valid username, WhatsApp will confirm it with a cheerful confetti animation. From that point, it becomes tied to your account. Any username changes will trigger an automatic message in your chats, just like when you update your profile photo or phone number.
Why this feature matters now
This move is more than just a quality-of-life update. It addresses growing concerns around digital privacy and scams.
For years, users, particularly women and younger users, have hesitated to share their WhatsApp numbers due to the risk of spam, harassment, or phishing attempts. In some cases, just one exchange can lead to a barrage of unwanted messages, calls, or worse.
With usernames, WhatsApp can give users more control over how they share their identity online, without limiting how they use the platform.
October 21, 2025 update
As of today, the feature doesn’t have a release date yet, but users will be able to reserve their usernames before it officially launches.
This comes over a year after the platform tested a PIN system to block unwanted messages, requiring a code to start a chat even if someone knows your username.
Beta versions of the app for Android and iOS already hint at the reservation option. It will appear under “Username” in the profile tab, giving users a chance to claim their preferred names early. Once the feature rolls out widely, users will need to follow specific username rules.
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