WhatsApp is finally working on a feature that makes users chat without having to share their numbers. It’s a feature users have been requesting for years—usernames.
According to WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is developing the ability for users to create unique usernames. This change means you’ll no longer need to share your phone number just to start a chat.
For a long time, WhatsApp has tied every account to a phone number. That made privacy harder to protect. It also created a barrier when users wanted to message people without saving their contact.
The new feature is currently being tested in beta version 25.17.10.70, but it’s not available to the public yet.
Once launched, you’ll be able to pick a username with letters, numbers, periods, or underscores. However, usernames can’t start with “www.” or end in “.com”. This is to prevent scams and impersonation.
Handles must be between 3 and 30 characters. If someone updates their username, the app will show a system message in the chat so you’re not caught off guard.
This feature builds on WhatsApp’s previous privacy tools like Click to Chat and QR codes, which helped people start conversations without saving numbers. But those still didn’t protect your digits.
Usernames will give you more control over your identity. Your phone number will still be needed to create an account—but it won’t show when using your username.
This could help stop spam, scams, and unwanted contact. It also makes WhatsApp feel more like Telegram or Signal, which already offer this kind of privacy.
For those using WhatsApp for work or large group chats, this is especially useful. It allows you to connect without giving away personal information.
There’s no confirmed release date yet, but development is underway. Hopefully, it won’t take long to roll out.
