WhatsApp Prepares Username Feature, Moving Beyond Phone Numbers
WhatsApp, the world’s most widely used messaging app, is reportedly preparing a new username feature that could mark a major shift in how people connect on the platform. Based on information received from hkitblog.com for years, WhatsApp accounts have been tied exclusively to phone numbers, but this upcoming update may allow users to create unique usernames—similar to platforms like Telegram, Instagram, or X (formerly Twitter).
Moving Beyond Phone Numbers
Currently, WhatsApp requires users to share their phone numbers to start conversations. While convenient for close contacts, this system has long raised concerns about privacy and limited flexibility.
With the planned username feature, users will soon be able to choose a unique identifier that allows others to find and message them without exchanging phone numbers. This could make WhatsApp more versatile, especially for those who want to protect their personal number while still engaging in conversations, whether for work, community groups, or online interactions.
How the Username System May Work
Leaked reports from app trackers like WABetaInfo suggest that usernames will function much like they do on other social media platforms. Each account will have a unique name that can be searched and shared.
While details are still under development, early indications show that:
- Usernames will be optional, not mandatory.
- They will exist alongside phone numbers rather than replacing them.
- Privacy settings may allow users to control who can find them via username.
Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, has not yet provided an official release date, but beta versions of the app are already testing the feature.
Benefits for Privacy and Security
Experts say the introduction of usernames could enhance user privacy. By allowing people to connect without giving away their personal number, WhatsApp could reduce the risks of spam, harassment, or misuse of contact details.
“This feature has the potential to protect user identities in a way that WhatsApp has not offered before,” explains Arif Sutanto, a digital privacy researcher. “It’s especially useful for professional or casual interactions where sharing a phone number feels too personal.”
Additionally, usernames may simplify communication in global communities, where exchanging numbers across different countries can be cumbersome.
Competitive Advantage
The move also reflects WhatsApp’s effort to stay competitive in the messaging market. Rival apps like Telegram and Signal already offer usernames, making them attractive to users concerned about anonymity. By rolling out a similar feature, WhatsApp aims to keep pace with changing user expectations.
With over 2.7 billion active users worldwide, even small changes in WhatsApp’s system can have significant global impact.
What Users Should Expect
As the feature is still under testing, there are many unanswered questions:
- Will usernames be permanent, or can they be changed?
- How will WhatsApp handle duplicate requests for popular names?
- Will usernames be visible to everyone by default, or limited by privacy controls?
Meta is expected to clarify these points before a public rollout.
The upcoming username feature could represent one of WhatsApp’s most significant updates in years, shifting the app closer to a full-fledged communication platform that balances convenience with privacy.
For users, the change means more control over personal information and new ways to connect beyond just exchanging phone numbers. If successfully implemented, usernames may redefine how billions of people use WhatsApp every day.
Source: https://hkitblog.com/