WhatsApp will let users chat using usernames instead of sharing phone numbers, giving its more than 3 billion users greater privacy
WhatsApp to let users chat without sharing their phone numbers
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WhatsApp is introducing usernames that let people connect without sharing their phone numbers, giving its more than 3 billion users a new privacy option.
WhatsApp users will soon be able to connect without sharing their phone numbers after the Meta-owned messaging platform introduced usernames, giving people a new way to start conversations while keeping their personal contact details private.
Users can choose a unique username that others can use to contact them. A phone number will still be required to create a WhatsApp account, but it will no longer need to be shared with new contacts.
The change addresses a longstanding privacy concern for users who communicate with people outside their contact list, such as members of community groups, online marketplaces or businesses. Rather than sharing phone numbers, users can simply share their chosen username.
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Usernames must be between three and 35 characters long and can include letters, numbers, periods and underscores. To help prevent impersonation, usernames associated with public figures and organisations will be reserved. Businesses and creators will also be able to reserve usernames that match their existing Facebook or Instagram accounts, where available.
Unlike many social media platforms, WhatsApp will not offer a public directory or searchable database of usernames. Users will need to know another person’s exact username before they can initiate contact. The platform will also introduce an optional username key, adding an extra verification step for users who want more control over who can message them.
WhatsApp has more than three billion monthly users worldwide. The company said username reservations have begun rolling out and that the feature will become available more broadly over the coming months. Existing chats and contacts will continue to work as before, and users who prefer using phone numbers will still be able to do so.
