WhatsApp lets you chat without sharing phone number now, username feature available to some users

WhatsApp is reportedly rolling out a username feature. The anticipated update will allow users to connect without the need to share their phone numbers, making communication simpler and more secure.

In Short

• WhatsApp is expected to introduce the username feature soon
• This means sharing a phone number may no longer be mandatory
• Users may be able to use a single username across Meta’s platforms

WhatsApp makes communication simple and sharing files easy, but when it comes to giving out our personal phone number to strangers, even for a small reason, many of us feel hesitant. To address this concern and make communication both simple and safer, WhatsApp is reportedly rolling out a username feature for its platform. This functionality will allow users to connect with one another without sharing their phone numbers—instead, they can simply share a unique username.

WhatsApp’s username feature has been the talk of the town for quite some time. According to WABetaInfo, the messaging platform may be testing and refining the feature carefully before making it widely available, and could roll it out as part of a phased release strategy in the coming months.

Rules for choosing a username

WhatsApp is said to have a set of rules in place before users can choose a username. A username cannot begin with “www,” as it may resemble a website, nor can it end with “.com” or “.in,” as these appear like domain names. Usernames must include at least one letter, meaning they cannot consist solely of numbers or symbols. Only specific characters are allowed, including lowercase letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), periods, and underscores. Additionally, usernames must be between 3 and 35 characters long.

Another important factor when choosing a username is that it must not already be in use on other Meta platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. If the username is already taken, users may need to verify that they are the rightful owner in order to claim it. If it is available, however, they can select it immediately, as long as it meets all other requirements.

Username key for additional privacy

After selecting a username, users can also set up a username key. This four digit code would be required when someone contacts them for the first time. However, it is an optional feature designed to offer an additional layer of privacy, ensuring that only people who have both the username and the username key can reach out.

One username for all Meta platforms

Users can choose the same username across Meta platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. While this can make it easier for people to connect, it may also raise privacy concerns, as it becomes simpler for others to identify or track someone across platforms. Those who prefer to keep their WhatsApp profile separate from other social media platforms should consider choosing a different username.

WhatsApp is expected to roll out its username feature in phases, initially making it available to a limited set of users who have updated to the latest version of the app. At present, the feature is not widely accessible and will be tested by a small group before a broader release. Over time, WhatsApp is likely to expand availability to more users in stages. Despite these changes, messages on the platform will continue to be protected with end-to-end encryption.

- Ends