WhatsApp lets you chat using usernames instead of phone numbers

Imagine meeting someone at a coffee shop or a conference, and instead of exchanging phone numbers, you simply share a username. That moment is coming closer to reality with WhatsApp's latest update.

For years, WhatsApp has required users to share their phone number to start a conversation. This is how the app works from the ground up. You install it, link it to your phone, and that number becomes your identity. But times are changing. Many people now want more privacy and control over who can reach them. WhatsApp heard this concern, and the company is doing something about it.

The messaging app is rolling out a new feature called usernames. Instead of giving out your phone number, you can now create a unique username. Think of it like a social media handle—something that feels more private and personal. When you set up your username, you stay in control. You decide who sees it and who can contact you through it.

How does it work? You'll create a username in WhatsApp's settings. Share this username with whoever you want—post it online, give it to a friend, include it on a business card. When someone finds your username, they can start a conversation with you directly. No phone number required. No need to worry that a stranger has your mobile number. The username acts as a bridge between privacy and connection.

This change matters for several reasons. First, it protects your personal phone number. Your number stays private unless you choose to reveal it. Second, it opens new possibilities for businesses. A shop owner, a freelancer, or a consultant can share their username publicly without exposing their personal phone line. Third, it gives users peace of mind. You won't receive unsolicited messages from people who somehow found your number. You'll only hear from people who knew your username and had a reason to reach out.

The rollout won't happen overnight. WhatsApp is taking this slow and careful approach. The feature will arrive globally over the next few months. This means some users might see it first, while others wait a little longer. The company wants to test the system and make sure everything runs smoothly before everyone gets access.

Some people might wonder: Does this mean phone numbers are going away? Not yet. For now, your phone number is still the core of your WhatsApp account. The username is an additional choice, not a replacement. You'll still need your phone to set up WhatsApp. But going forward, you won't have to hand out your number to everyone who wants to chat with you.

This shift reflects a bigger change in how we think about digital privacy. More apps and services are giving people alternatives to sharing their phone numbers. It's a small step, but it's an important one. As our digital lives grow more complex, we need better tools to control who reaches us and how.

When this feature lands in your region, you'll have the freedom to connect on your own terms. What would you use a WhatsApp username for—personal friends, work contacts, or both?

Inspired by reporting from BBC News.