WhatsApp is working on a username feature that will allow users to connect without sharing their phone numbers directly — a major privacy improvement for messaging.

This feature is similar to how platforms like Telegram and Signal handle usernames.

Although the feature is still rolling out and may not yet be available to everyone, here’s how it is expected to work and how you can set it up once enabled.

Official WhatsApp site:
WhatsApp Official Website

Why WhatsApp Usernames Matter

Currently, anyone who wants to message you on WhatsApp usually needs your phone number.

That creates several privacy concerns:

• Your personal number gets exposed
• Spam messages become easier
• Unknown contacts can save your number
• Business or community interactions become less private

With usernames, you’ll be able to:

• Share a username instead of a phone number
• Chat more privately
• Control discoverability
• Reduce unwanted exposure

What Is the WhatsApp Username Feature?

The upcoming feature allows users to create a unique handle such as:

@johnsmith

Instead of sharing:

+91-9876543210

People can search and contact you using the username.

How to Set a Username on WhatsApp

Once the feature becomes available on your device, the setup process is expected to be:

Step 1 — Open WhatsApp Settings

• Open WhatsApp
• Tap your profile icon
• Go to Settings

Step 2 — Open Profile Section

Tap your profile name/photo.

You may see a new option called:

Username

Step 3 — Create a Unique Username

Choose a username such as:

@aledev

WhatsApp will likely validate:

• Availability
• Supported characters
• Length requirements

Step 4 — Save Username

• Once available and valid:
• Save the username
• It becomes searchable/shareable

Username Rules (Expected)

Based on current beta reports, usernames may:

• Require unique names
• Support letters and numbers
• Disallow special symbols
• Prevent impersonation
• Restrict very short names

Example valid usernames:

@techguru
@ale2026
@johnsmith

Will Your Phone Number Be Fully Hidden?

Most likely:

• Your number remains linked internally to your account
• Username becomes the public-facing identifier
• Depending on privacy settings, contacts may still see your number in some cases.

Additional Privacy Settings to Enable

Even with usernames, you should review privacy settings.

Go to:

Settings → Privacy

Recommended options:

Setting	Recommended
Last Seen	My Contacts
Profile Photo	My Contacts
About	My Contacts
Groups	My Contacts
Calls from Unknown Numbers	Silence

Use Two-Step Verification

For extra security:

Settings → Account → Two-step verification

This helps protect your account from unauthorized access.

Benefits of Usernames

Better Privacy

Avoid sharing your personal number publicly.

Safer Online Communities

Useful for:

• Gaming groups
• Communities
• Freelancing
• Online marketplaces

Business Communication

Businesses can:

• Share usernames publicly
• Reduce direct number exposure
• Improve brand identity

Potential Limitations

The feature may initially:

• Roll out gradually
• Be limited in some regions
• Require latest app updates
• Work only for updated users

How to Check If You Have the Feature

Update WhatsApp from:

Google Play Store – WhatsApp

Apple App Store – WhatsApp

Then check:

Settings → Profile

for the username option.

Final Thoughts

WhatsApp usernames are a significant privacy upgrade that many users have wanted for years.

Once fully available, they will help users:

• Keep phone numbers private
• Reduce spam exposure
• Communicate more securely
• Interact online more comfortably

If privacy matters to you, enabling usernames and tightening your privacy settings is a smart move.