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WhatsApp rolls out username feature for safer and private connections

WhatsApp has begun rolling out a long-awaited usernames feature, allowing users to connect and chat without sharing their phone numbers. The update, currently available to a limited set of users on Android and iOS, is expected to expand more widely in the coming weeks.

The move marks a significant shift for the messaging platform, which has traditionally relied on phone numbers as the primary identifier. With usernames, users now have an alternative way to initiate conversations, offering greater flexibility and control over personal information.

How Usernames and Privacy Controls Work

Users who have access to the feature can set a unique username through their profile settings. This username can then be shared with others, who can search for it directly within the app to start a conversation—without needing access to the user’s phone number.

However, WhatsApp has introduced strict guidelines for creating usernames. They must be between 3 and 35 characters, include at least one letter, and can only contain lowercase letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. Usernames resembling website addresses, such as those beginning with “www or ending in “.com” or “.net,” are not permitted.

The feature is also integrated with Meta’s broader ecosystem. In some cases, users may need to verify ownership of a username if it is already associated with accounts on platforms like Instagram or Facebook.

Optional Security Layer and Broader Implications

To enhance privacy, WhatsApp is introducing an optional “username key”—a four-digit code linked to a user’s handle. When enabled, new contacts will need both the username and the code to initiate a conversation, adding an extra layer of access control.

The update strengthens privacy by allowing users to stay reachable without exposing their phone numbers, aligning WhatsApp more closely with features already seen on platforms like Telegram. However, it also raises considerations around identity linking, particularly if users adopt the same usernames across multiple platforms.

Importantly, the company confirmed that its core security framework remains unchanged, with end-to-end encryption continuing to protect messages.

The feature could also benefit businesses, enabling customers to connect with brands more easily without requiring contact numbers. As WhatsApp expands the rollout, usernames are expected to play a growing role in how users interact on the platform, offering a balance between accessibility and privacy.