WhatsApp lets you chat without sharing your phone number

Do you like to share your phone number with new people? Many people do not. Now WhatsApp has a new idea to help.

WhatsApp is a popular message app. Millions of people use it every day. Right now, you need to share your phone number to chat with someone. The new change will let you use a username instead.

A username is like a special name. You pick it. It is not your real phone number. For example, your username could be "coffee_lover" or "my_name_2024". Your friends can find you with this name. They do not need your phone number.

This is good for privacy. Privacy means keeping your information safe. Many people worry about sharing their phone number online. They do not want strange people to call them. With a username, you control who can contact you. You can share your username with people you trust.

The new feature will come to all users soon. WhatsApp says it will take a few months. First, some people will get it. Then more people will get it. This is normal for big apps. They test new things slowly.

You can still use your phone number if you want. The username is just one choice. Both ways will work. You can pick what feels right for you.

This change shows how apps listen to what people want. Many people asked for better privacy. WhatsApp heard them. Now you have a new, safer way to talk with friends.

Inspired by reporting from BBC News.