WhatsApp is finally taking a step away from its phone-number-first roots and is now testing usernames in beta.
This will allow users a way to chat without sharing their personal number, something rivals have offered for years.
The feature is rolling out gradually to a limited number of testers on both Android and iOS, according to WhatsApp beta trackers. If it’s available on your account, you’ll find a new username field under Settings > Profile. There will also be a prompt explaining how it works.
The big draw here is privacy. Instead of handing out your phone number, you’ll be able to share a username instead. However, it’s worth noting that for now, a number will still be required to sign up and use the app in the first place. In other words, usernames sit on top of WhatsApp’s existing system and doesn’t replace it entirely.
There are a few rules to keep things tidy. Usernames must be between 3 and 35 characters, include at least one letter, and can only use lowercase letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. Certain formats are off-limits too. This includes anything that looks like a website domain (so no “.com” endings or “www” prefixes).
WhatsApp is also experimenting with a “username key”, which is a four-digit code that can be required before someone messages you for the first time. It’s optional, but adds an extra layer of control if you don’t want unsolicited chats.
Interestingly, usernames can be linked to accounts on Facebook and Instagram, though they can’t duplicate existing names on those platforms.
There’s no word yet on a full rollout, but the direction is clear. WhatsApp is slowly shifting towards a more privacy-friendly identity system. It is one that feels a lot less tied to your phone number, even if it’s not ready to let go of it just yet.
