WhatsApp to replace phone numbers with usernames
Story by Susan Mbamah
WhatsApp is testing a significant update that would allow users to connect and chat without having to share their phone numbers. The new feature will let users create unique usernames, similar to those used on platforms like Instagram, Telegram, or X, marking what has been called one of the biggest privacy shifts in the app’s history.
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The feature, which was spotted in WhatsApp’s beta testing program, will enable people to chat and join groups using these usernames instead of their phone numbers. This change is designed to give users more privacy and control, particularly in large group chats or business settings where sharing a personal number can feel intrusive.
Leaked screenshots show a new “Username” field in user profiles, giving people the option to pick unique handles and hide their numbers if they choose.
While this update could make WhatsApp feel more like a social platform, it also raises standard concerns about username squatting and impersonation. In response, WhatsApp is expected to introduce verification tools to prevent misuse.
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The username feature is currently still in testing. If successfully implemented, it could transform how the app’s more than two billion users connect, shifting the platform’s core identity to be less about phone numbers and more about personal names or handles.
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