WhatsApp is introducing usernames, a new privacy feature that will allow users to communicate without sharing their phone numbers. The update brings the Meta-owned messaging platform closer to competitors such as Telegram and Signal, which already offer username-based messaging.
The company said more than three billion WhatsApp users will be able to begin reserving usernames from June 29 ahead of the feature's wider rollout later this year. Users will receive notifications within the app once reservations become available in their region.
According to WhatsApp, usernames will not create a searchable directory of users. There will be no browsing or suggestion feature, meaning users will need to know another person's exact username to initiate contact.
Usernames must be between three and 35 characters long and can include lowercase letters, numbers, periods and underscores. They cannot resemble website addresses or use endings such as ".com" or ".net". In some cases, users may need to verify ownership if the same username is linked to their Instagram or Facebook account.
WhatsApp is also introducing an optional four-digit username key, which will be required alongside the username for first-time contacts. The company said the key will later become alphanumeric.
The introduction of usernames does not affect WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption, and phone numbers will continue to work as they do today. The feature simply offers an additional way to connect.
However, usernames only hide phone numbers in new conversations. Anyone who already has a user's number through existing chats or shared groups will still be able to view it. WhatsApp also said the update does not change its business model or introduce new advertising features.
Users running the latest version of WhatsApp can check whether the feature is available in their region and reserve a username through the app's settings menu. WhatsApp will automatically verify availability and suggest alternatives if the preferred username has already been taken.
Open WhatsApp
Go to Settings
Tap Account
Select Username
Enter your preferred username and check availability
Choose an alternative if the username is unavailable
Tap Save and then Done
Users will also be able to change their usernames later, subject to availability.