WhatsApp Users Can Soon Chat Without Sharing Phone Numbers

WhatsApp is introducing a new feature that will allow users to connect with others without sharing their phone numbers. Instead of exchanging mobile numbers, people will be able to chat by using unique usernames. The feature will roll out worldwide over the next few months and will be available to all three billion WhatsApp users.

Starting this week, users can begin reserving a unique username through the app. Choosing a username will not be mandatory, and people who prefer using their phone numbers can continue doing so. WhatsApp has also confirmed that users will have the freedom to change or remove their usernames whenever they want.

WhatsApp Users Can Soon Chat Without Sharing Phone Numbers

The new system will improve privacy and make communication more comfortable, especially when talking to new people or participating in group chats. Once the feature is fully available, users will only need to exchange usernames to start a conversation. This means personal phone numbers will remain hidden from other users, adding an extra layer of privacy.

To maintain a safe environment, WhatsApp will continue to provide options for blocking and reporting unwanted contacts or messages. Usernames can be up to 35 characters long, but certain names linked to well-known public figures and celebrities will be restricted to prevent impersonation. This helps reduce the risk of fake accounts pretending to be famous individuals.

According to WhatsApp’s Head of Product, Alice Newton-Rex, many users have expressed concerns about sharing their phone numbers with people they do not know well. She explained that the new username feature gives users greater control over how they present themselves on the platform while making it easier to connect without revealing personal information.

Although this update improves privacy, some experts believe it does not solve every privacy concern. Professor Carissa Véliz from the University of Oxford pointed out that while phone numbers may no longer be visible, WhatsApp still collects metadata such as who users communicate with and when those conversations take place. Since WhatsApp is owned by Meta, she believes users should remain aware of how their data may be used for advertising and business purposes.

See Also: WhatsApp Is Finally Bringing Mentions to Text Status Updates. Here Is How It Works

However, WhatsApp has emphasized that the content of personal messages remains protected through end-to-end encryption. This security feature ensures that only the sender and receiver can read the messages. The company states that it does not use the contents of private conversations for advertising. Instead, it relies on other types of data, including messaging activity, to support its advertising systems.

Once the rollout is complete, phone numbers will no longer be visible during chats, but users will still need a valid phone number to create and maintain a WhatsApp account. The platform also confirmed that there will not be a public directory where people can search for usernames, helping protect user privacy even further.