WhatsApp Usernames: The End of Phone Number Sharing?

New Delhi, january 10, 2026: The digital landscape of 2026 is witnessing one of the most significant shifts in instant messaging history. WhatsApp, the Meta-owned giant with over three billion users, is finally moving away from its decade-long reliance on phone numbers with the introduction of WhatsApp Usernames.

This feature, currently in advanced testing, marks a pivotal moment for user privacy and brand identity. Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming rollout.

The Privacy Revolution: No More Shared Digits

Since its inception, your phone number has been your “digital passport” on WhatsApp. To message someone, you had to share ten digits—information often linked to bank accounts, home addresses, and sensitive personal data.

The new username feature changes the game. Users will soon be able to create a unique handle (e.g., @alex_smith or @tech_central) to connect with others.

Key Privacy Benefits:

• Hidden Phone Numbers: In one-on-one and group chats, your username will be the primary identifier. Your phone number will remain hidden from people who don’t already have you in their contacts.
• Searchable Handles: You can find friends or businesses by typing their username into the search bar, eliminating the need to save a number first.
• Enhanced Security Keys: To prevent spam, WhatsApp is testing a “Username PIN” or “Key.” Even if someone knows your username, they may need a specific code to start a conversation with you for the first time.

A New Era for Businesses

For brands, the update is more than a privacy tool; it is a branding powerhouse. Until now, businesses appeared as strings of numbers unless saved by the user.

By June 2026, all businesses using the WhatsApp Business API are expected to transition to the new system. This allows them to use official handles that match their Instagram or Facebook identities, building instant trust and professional appeal.

Technical Guidelines: How to Choose Your Name

While the feature is still being refined in beta versions, the rules for selecting a username have been established to ensure consistency and prevent abuse:

• Characters: Only lowercase letters (a-z), numbers (0-9), periods (.), and underscores (_) are allowed.
• Length: Handles must be between 3 and 30 characters.
• Restrictions: Usernames cannot start with “www.” and cannot begin or end with a period.
• Uniqueness: Much like social media handles, these are first-come, first-served. Once a name is taken, it’s gone.

Rollout Timeline: What to Expect in 2026

The transition is already underway, with the following roadmap currently in motion:

Phase	Estimated Timing	Target Audience
Beta Testing	Ongoing (Early 2026)	Select Android and iOS beta testers.
Reservation Phase	Q1 – Q2 2026	Users can “claim” preferred handles before the full launch.
Business Mandate	June 2026	API-based businesses must update systems to support usernames.
Global Rollout	Late 2026	Full availability for all personal and business accounts.

Is Your Current Privacy Safe?

WhatsApp has clarified that this feature is optional. If you prefer the traditional phone number-based system, you can continue using it. However, the switch to usernames is seen as a direct response to a 2025 security flaw where researchers demonstrated that “scraping” phone numbers was possible through the app’s contact discovery tool. By moving to usernames, Meta is effectively closing that door for good.