WhatsApp is finally getting one of its most requested features. The messaging app has announced that users will soon be able to create usernames, making it possible to chat with people without sharing a personal phone number.
The feature has been available on apps like Telegram, Signal and Wire for years, but WhatsApp is only now bringing it to its more than 3 billion users. While the update is expected to improve privacy, it has also raised concerns about scams, fake accounts and impersonation.
If you use WhatsApp regularly, here is everything you need to know about the new username feature, how it works, its benefits and the risks you should be aware of.
What Is WhatsApp’s New Username Feature?
Until now, anyone who wanted to contact you on WhatsApp usually needed your phone number. Your phone number was your identity on the platform, making it difficult to chat with new people without sharing personal information.
The new username feature changes that.
Instead of giving someone your phone number, you will be able to share a unique username. Once they know your username, they can message you without seeing your phone number.
This gives users another way to connect while keeping their personal number private.
However, WhatsApp will still require a phone number when creating an account. The username simply becomes another way for people to find and contact you.
WhatsApp Is Starting With Username Reservations
WhatsApp has started allowing users to reserve usernames before the full rollout later this year.
The company says usernames can contain between 3 and 35 characters. Most usernames will be available on a first come, first served basis, although WhatsApp is reserving certain names for celebrities, public figures, organisations and well known brands.
If you are a creator or business owner, WhatsApp also plans to let you claim the same username you already use on Facebook or Instagram. This will help people find the correct account more easily and reduce confusion across Meta’s apps.
Users will receive a notification when username reservations become available in their country.
How to Reserve Your WhatsApp Username
When the feature becomes available, reserving a username will be simple.
You only need to:
- Open WhatsApp.
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Account.
- Select Username.
- Choose the username you want if it is available.
WhatsApp will also allow users to create a username key. This acts like an extra layer of protection because people may need both your username and your chosen key before they can message you.
The company says users can change or remove their usernames whenever they want.
Why WhatsApp Is Introducing Usernames
According to WhatsApp, many people are uncomfortable sharing their phone number with someone they have just met.
For example, you may meet someone at a conference, in school, at work or during a business event. You may want to continue the conversation without giving away your personal number immediately.
The username feature solves that problem.
Instead of exposing information connected to your phone number, you can simply share your username and decide later whether you want the other person to know more about you.
For many people, this is a welcome privacy improvement.
Usernames Will Not Be Searchable
One important detail is that usernames will not work like social media usernames.
You will not be able to search for random usernames inside WhatsApp and send messages to anyone you find.
Instead, someone must know your exact username before they can contact you.
At launch, WhatsApp also will not include QR codes for usernames. This means users will need to share their usernames through text, email or by telling someone directly.
This approach is designed to reduce unwanted messages from strangers.
Why Some Experts Are Worried
Although the feature improves privacy, it has already raised concerns among security experts and government officials.
The biggest concern is impersonation.
When people stop using phone numbers as their main identity, scammers may try creating usernames that look similar to those of famous people, businesses or government agencies.
For example, someone could create a username that closely resembles a bank, a popular company or a public official. If users do not pay close attention, they may believe they are talking to the real person or organisation.
This could make online scams even more convincing.
India Has Raised Concerns
The debate has become especially serious in India, which is WhatsApp’s largest market with more than 500 million users.
Indian authorities have expressed concerns that usernames could make online fraud easier. They warned that criminals might use fake usernames to pretend to be police officers, banks, government agencies or trusted organisations.
Officials have asked WhatsApp to explain how it plans to prevent these problems before the feature becomes widely available.
At the same time, some digital rights groups believe the feature should not be blocked simply because criminals may misuse it. They argue that scammers should be punished under existing laws instead of preventing useful privacy features from reaching users.
What WhatsApp Is Doing to Prevent Fake Accounts
WhatsApp says it understands these concerns.
The company has confirmed that it is automatically reserving usernames for many celebrities, public figures, government agencies and organisations. This means other people should not be able to claim those official names.
However, WhatsApp has not explained exactly how it decides which similar usernames should also be blocked.
Because of this, some security experts believe fake accounts could still appear using usernames that look almost identical to legitimate ones.
WhatsApp says it is taking its time with the rollout so it can improve the system before making it available to everyone.
The Benefits of WhatsApp Usernames
For most users, the advantages are easy to see.
First, you no longer have to share your personal phone number every time you meet someone new.
Second, your privacy improves because fewer people have access to your number.
Third, businesses, creators and organisations can maintain the same identity across different Meta platforms, making it easier for customers and followers to recognise them.
The feature could also reduce unwanted phone calls and messages from people who only needed a way to contact you once.
The Risks You Should Know
Despite the benefits, users should remain careful.
Scammers often take advantage of new technology, and usernames could become another tool for fraud if people are not paying attention.
Whenever someone contacts you claiming to represent a bank, government agency, company or celebrity, always verify their identity before sharing personal information or sending money.
It is also a good idea to choose a username that is not too obvious. A unique username may make it harder for strangers to guess and contact you without permission.
Finally, remember that having a username does not automatically mean someone is trustworthy. Always treat unexpected messages with caution, especially if they ask for sensitive information or money.
Also Read
Instagram Could Soon Let You Decide What Appears on Your Feed
The Bottom Line
WhatsApp’s new username feature is one of the platform’s biggest updates in recent years. It gives users more control over their privacy by allowing them to chat without immediately revealing their phone number.
However, every new feature comes with new challenges. While usernames can help protect personal information, they may also create opportunities for impersonation and online scams if users are not careful.
As WhatsApp continues testing and improving the feature before its full release, the best approach is to enjoy the added privacy while staying alert. If you choose a strong username, verify who you are talking to and avoid trusting unfamiliar accounts too quickly, you can take advantage of the new feature while reducing the risks.
