Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp has announced a major privacy update that will allow users to connect with others without sharing their phone numbers, introducing unique usernames as an alternative way to identify and contact people.
The company disclosed on Monday that the feature, which will be rolled out gradually over the coming months, is designed to enhance user privacy by reducing the need to expose personal phone numbers when interacting with new contacts, businesses or large group chats.
According to WhatsApp, users will be able to choose unique usernames that others can use to find and message them, eliminating the need to exchange phone numbers in many situations.
The company explained that the update would be particularly useful when users join large group chats or contact a person or business for the first time, as their phone numbers will no longer be automatically visible.
“People will be able to pick unique usernames to share with others, designed to protect the privacy of your phone number,” the company said in a statement.
WhatsApp also clarified that the new system has been designed with privacy in mind, noting that users will not be searchable through a public directory.
“There’s no directory to browse and no suggestions, so people need to know your exact username to contact you,” the company stated.
With more than three billion users worldwide, WhatsApp acknowledged that not everyone would be able to secure their preferred username due to the platform’s vast user base.
To manage the transition, the company said username reservations would be introduced gradually across different countries, with users receiving notifications when the feature becomes available in their region.
In addition, Meta said content creators, small businesses and organisations would be able to reserve WhatsApp usernames that match those they already use on other Meta-owned platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.
The new feature marks one of WhatsApp’s most significant privacy-focused updates in recent years, offering users greater control over how they connect with others while reducing the need to disclose personal contact information.