WhatsApp is rolling out one of its most significant updates — the introduction of usernames, a feature that allows users and businesses to connect without revealing their phone numbers. This long-awaited addition strengthens privacy protection and helps brands establish a more professional identity on the platform.
Whether you're a personal user who values security or a business looking to improve credibility, WhatsApp usernames will completely change how you communicate on the app.
1. What Are WhatsApp Usernames?
WhatsApp usernames are unique identifiers that replace your phone number in chats, groups, and profile links. Instead of sharing your number, you'll share a handle such as @yourname or @yourbrand, just like you would on Instagram or Telegram.
WhatsApp is rolling out one of its most significant updates — the introduction of usernames, a feature that allows users and businesses to connect without revealing their phone numbers. This long-awaited addition strengthens privacy protection and helps brands establish a more professional identity on the platform.
Whether you're a personal user who values security or a business looking to improve credibility, WhatsApp usernames will completely change how you communicate on the app.
1. What Are WhatsApp Usernames?
WhatsApp usernames are unique identifiers that replace your phone number in chats, groups, and profile links. Instead of sharing your number, you'll share a handle such as @yourname or @yourbrand, just like you would on Instagram or Telegram.
This change adds an extra layer of privacy and professionalism. It allows users to connect safely while giving businesses the flexibility to build their brand identity without relying on a visible phone number.
2. Why WhatsApp Is Adding Usernames
For a long time, WhatsApp users have faced a privacy issue: every chat, group, or contact exchange exposed their phone number. While the app already uses end-to-end encryption, your number was still visible — a potential security concern.
The introduction of usernames solves this by:
Protecting personal phone numbers in one-on-one and group conversations.
Making business interactions safer and more trustworthy.
Allowing more flexible identity control across WhatsApp's user base.
Aligning WhatsApp with other social platforms that already use handle-based IDs.
This move also reflects a broader shift toward privacy-first communication, ensuring users can stay connected without sacrificing personal data.
3. How WhatsApp Usernames Benefit Businesses
The new username feature isn't just a privacy upgrade — it's also a major opportunity for brands.
Build Stronger Brand Recognition
Businesses can display their brand name as a handle, making it easier for customers to identify and remember them. Instead of seeing a random phone number, customers will see a consistent and trustworthy username.
Simplify Customer Interactions
Usernames can be included in emails, websites, and social media posts as clickable links, allowing users to message businesses directly. This improves convenience and helps convert interest into engagement.
Strengthen Privacy Compliance
By eliminating the need to display phone numbers, WhatsApp enables companies to better protect employee data and maintain compliance with privacy laws such as GDPR.
Easier Integration for Developers
Developers will soon be able to access usernames through a business-scoped user ID in WhatsApp's API. This new identifier will simplify system integrations for tools like CRMs, chatbots, and marketing dashboards.
4. How to Prepare for WhatsApp Usernames
If you manage a WhatsApp Business account or use the API, it's important to start preparing for the transition. Here's what you should do:
Review Your Systems
Identify any platforms or databases that rely on phone numbers to recognize users or customers.Update Your API Integration
Modify your existing WhatsApp API setup to support the new username identifier.Train Your Team
Customer service and marketing staff should be briefed on how usernames work, how to share them, and how they affect communication practices.Update Brand Assets
Replace visible phone numbers on websites, ads, and contact pages with your new WhatsApp handle once it becomes available.
5. How to Set Up a WhatsApp Username (Step-by-Step Guide)
Once the feature becomes available to everyone, creating a username will likely follow this process:
Open Settings → Account → Username in WhatsApp.
Choose your desired handle (it must be unique and follow WhatsApp's guidelines).
Save it and confirm.
Share your handle link — for example,
wa.me/@yourbrand— anywhere you want users to connect with you.
This will make sharing contact details faster, safer, and more convenient.
6. What This Means for Users
For regular users, the change brings:
More privacy in groups and public chats — your number stays hidden.
Easier contact sharing — usernames are easier to remember and share than long numbers.
Improved safety for women and teens, who often avoid public group chats due to phone number exposure.
For businesses, it means:
A stronger professional image.
Better integration with marketing systems.
More trust and confidence from customers.
Future Outlook
The username system could also be the foundation for a unified Meta identity, connecting WhatsApp with Instagram and Messenger. This means businesses might eventually manage communication across all Meta platforms through one verified handle.
Such integration would make messaging, verification, and brand management far easier and more efficient, giving WhatsApp an edge in the global business communication ecosystem.
Final Thoughts
The introduction of usernames on WhatsApp is a game-changing update that enhances both privacy and professionalism.
For individuals, it means greater control over personal information.
For businesses, it represents a step toward smarter, safer, and more personalized communication.
As usernames roll out, take time to prepare your systems, update your contact details, and create a handle that reflects who you are or what your brand stands for.
