Forget phone numbers? WhatsApp will soon introduce usernames

Developers of WhatsApp, owned by Meta, are preparing to launch a long-awaited feature — a username system. This will allow users to join chats and add contacts without sharing their phone numbers, significantly improving privacy. According to sources such as WABetaInfo and 9to5Mac, the feature is already being tested in beta versions of the app, with an official release expected by the end of 2025.

Reserve Your Username in Advance

In the latest beta version of WhatsApp for Android (2.25.28.12), users can now reserve their usernames ahead of time. This means you can secure a unique nickname before the feature’s public launch, avoiding competition for popular names. WhatsApp is introducing this system to ensure fairness — early adopters of the update won’t be able to “grab” all the best names. The reservation option will be available in the profile settings section, and once confirmed, users will see a confetti animation celebrating the successful claim.

The feature will also be integrated into the web version of WhatsApp, allowing users to check the availability of their desired name. If a username changes later, a system notification will appear in chats, similar to updates for profile photos or phone numbers.

Rules for Uniqueness and Security

To prevent abuse and ensure unique identities, WhatsApp has introduced strict username requirements:

• The prefix “www” is prohibited to avoid confusion with official websites.
• The username must contain at least one letter (a–z, lowercase only).
• Numbers (0–9), dots, and underscores are allowed.
• Usernames will be globally unique, similar to Telegram or Instagram.

These restrictions help reduce the risks of spam, phishing, and fake accounts, while maintaining the simplicity and end-to-end encryption security that WhatsApp is known for.

Privacy and Convenience Benefits

The primary goal of the new feature is to protect personal information. Users will no longer need to share their phone numbers with strangers — particularly useful for businesses, events, or casual interactions. The phone number will remain in the background for account verification, but only the username will appear in chats and group conversations.

This update brings WhatsApp closer to competitors like Telegram and Signal, strengthening its stance in the growing privacy-focused messaging landscape, especially amid regulations such as the EU Digital Services Act.

The rollout will happen gradually, allowing WhatsApp to monitor performance and fix bugs. Beta testing has been underway since 2024, and the supporting infrastructure is already in place.

In Brief…

WhatsApp is introducing usernames so users can connect without exchanging phone numbers — and you can already reserve yours in the beta version. Restrictions like “no ‘www’” and “must include at least one letter” ensure uniqueness and security. The release is expected by the end of 2025, boosting privacy and making communication more convenient than ever.