WhatsApp is finally adding something users have wanted for years: usernames. That’s right — soon, you won’t have to share your phone number to chat with someone. Instead, you’ll be able to give them a unique handle, just like you do on Telegram, Instagram, or Signal.
This upcoming feature, spotted by WABetaInfo in WhatsApp’s beta version for iOS, is currently still in development. But once it launches, it’s expected to bring a big boost to privacy, especially for people who don’t feel comfortable handing out their number to strangers or new contacts.
💬 How Do WhatsApp Usernames Work?
The idea is simple: instead of connecting through your phone number, others will see your username. This is great for group chats, new contacts, or even just keeping your number private when chatting with online sellers or clients.
You’ll be able to choose a username that follows a few rules:
- Must be 3 to 30 characters long
- Must include at least one letter
- Can use lowercase letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), periods (.), and underscores (_)
- Can’t start or end with a period, or contain consecutive periods
- Can’t start with “www.” or end with a domain like “.com”
- Can’t be a duplicate of someone else’s username — once a handle is taken, it’s gone
When you pick your username, WhatsApp will check if it’s available. A green checkmark will appear if the name is free to use. You’ll also get a confetti animation when your username is confirmed — just a small touch to make the process more fun.
🔐 Why This Update Matters
Sharing your number has always been a bit risky. Once someone has your phone number, they might keep calling or messaging you — even outside WhatsApp. It can lead to spam, scams, or even harassment. This is especially a concern for women, who often hesitate to give out personal contact details.
By allowing usernames, WhatsApp gives you more control over who sees your phone number. For casual chats or short-term interactions, this change could make things much safer and more comfortable.
⚠️ Things to Keep in Mind
This feature isn’t live yet — even beta testers don’t have full access. But the fact that it’s already showing up in test versions means it could launch very soon.
Also, usernames only hide your number from new people. If someone already has your number saved, they can still see and contact you as usual.
WhatsApp will also show a system message if you ever change your username, just like it does when you update your profile photo or number.
Wrapping Up
Usernames are a small but powerful change for WhatsApp. It’s a move that puts privacy first, while also making the app more modern and flexible. Whether you’re meeting someone new, joining group chats, or just want to stay private, this update is something you’ll definitely want to use.
Keep an eye out — the update could be just around the corner.
