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WhatsApp first came out with a different approach: reach people, not through usernames or pins (long live BBM), but through phone numbers. Family members and friends just needed to have your number save in order to find you on the app.

Now, WhatsApp is adding usernames so people can contact each other without sharing a phone number. The idea is aimed at situations where someone meets a new person or joins a group chat but does not want to pass on personal digits. It also covers group settings where people may not know each other yet.

The company also says usernames are designed with privacy in mind and do not work like a public listing. On its blog post, WhatsApp said, 鈥淯sernames are our latest step to make WhatsApp even more private. There鈥檚 no directory to browse and no suggestions 鈥� people will need to know your exact username to contact you for the first time.鈥�

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How Will Usernames Work On WhatsApp?

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Each user will be able to create a unique name such as @Name123. This replaces the need to give out a phone number when starting a new chat with someone who does not already have it. The system also supports contacting people directly through that chosen name.

WhatsApp also says there will be extra control over who can reach you through this method. The service includes an optional username key so that not everyone who knows the username can message you straight away.

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When a chat starts for the first time through a username, the other person will not see your phone number if that setting is active.

The company explained, 鈥淥nce we launch usernames, when you message a person or business for the first time they will no longer see your phone number, if you enabled your username.鈥�

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How Do People Set It Up?

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WhatsApp says users can reserve a name before the feature fully arrives in their region. This reservation is meant to secure a chosen username early before full access is opened more widely across accounts.

WhatsApp explained:

鈥淩eserving your optional username takes just a few seconds on the latest version of WhatsApp 鈥� go to Settings > Account > 鲍蝉别谤苍补尘别.鈥�

Help centre instructions show that users go into their profile area, create a username, and check if it is available. If it is taken, suggestions appear so users can try different versions. The system only allows unique names that follow set rules such as using letters, numbers, underscores or periods, and not being made up only of numbers.

WhatsApp says that this rollout will be taking place over time and that users are to make sure their app is updated. Users should wait for a notification that鈥檒l alert when the feature reaches them, since access will not show up everywhere at the same time.

Since phone numbers feel very personal to some, this may be a better way to contact people who aren鈥檛 close family and friends. For a few years now, WhatsApp has gone from being a social app for close relatives and friends, to being a business and networking app. It鈥檒l be interesting to see how this feature changes this user experience, if at all.