WhatsApp to Introduce Unique Usernames for Enhanced Privacy: What You Need to Know

WhatsApp is gearing up to launch a revolutionary feature that will allow users to communicate using unique usernames instead of mobile numbers. This change aims to enhance privacy and security for its vast user base. Users will be able to register their usernames, which will serve as their primary mode of communication, keeping their phone numbers private. The feature is expected to roll out later this year, with global registrations starting soon. This initiative follows the recent leadership change at WhatsApp, as the company seeks to leverage its extensive reach and monetize the platform. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development!

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 30, 2026, 14:51 IST

WhatsApp's New Privacy Feature

New Delhi: WhatsApp, the messaging platform owned by Meta, is preparing to launch a groundbreaking feature designed to enhance user convenience while addressing privacy issues.

This innovative feature will separate the messaging service from users' mobile numbers, enabling them to communicate online without revealing their personal information. This change aims to bolster privacy for billions of users, allowing them to connect through unique WhatsApp usernames.

This new approach represents a significant departure from the existing system that relies on mobile numbers, as users will now be able to connect using registered usernames. The company has already initiated global reservations for these usernames, allowing millions worldwide to obtain a dedicated username. This username will be crucial when WhatsApp rolls out the feature later this year.

Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, emphasized that this upcoming feature is "designed to protect the privacy of your phone number."

"A username allows you to connect with someone on WhatsApp without disclosing your phone number. You can choose your own username, which doesn’t need to match your handle on any other platform," the company stated on Monday.

"To find you, people will need to know your exact username. You can easily update your username directly within WhatsApp," it added.

This ambitious initiative follows the appointment of Indian fintech entrepreneur Kunal Shah as the head of WhatsApp, as the company aims to leverage the platform's extensive global reach and monetize the app.

Username Registration Process

With this new feature, users will be required to select a unique username that will serve as their primary communication method. For added privacy, they can opt to stop sharing their phone numbers and instead connect through the usernames registered on their devices.

WhatsApp indicates that users can create their usernames, which should be between 3 and 35 characters long.

Users will have the ability to set their "username key" to maintain control over their contact list.

Once the feature is activated, your phone number will remain hidden when messaging someone or a business for the first time.

WhatsApp users will need to choose a unique and distinct username. If they encounter difficulties, a username generator will be available to assist them.

Reports suggest that the registration process for usernames could commence as soon as this week.

With nearly three billion users, WhatsApp aims to facilitate global registrations throughout the year and launch the feature by the end of the year.

Users will receive notifications in their apps when the feature becomes available in their region.

According to WhatsApp, reserving a personalized username will take only a few seconds.