WhatsApp Tests Username Feature To Replace Phone Numbers
WhatsApp is reportedly testing a new feature that could allow users to connect using unique usernames instead of phone numbers, in what is being described as one of the most significant privacy updates in the app’s history.
The feature, currently available to select users in WhatsApp’s beta testing programme, is designed to give people greater privacy and control, especially in large group or business chats where sharing personal phone numbers can often feel intrusive.
According to Vanguard, leaked screenshots from the beta version reveal a new “Username” field in user profiles, allowing users to create unique handles and choose whether to hide their phone numbers.
The update is expected to make WhatsApp function more like platforms such as Telegram, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), where users can connect through usernames instead of relying solely on contact numbers.
While the development has been largely praised for its potential to enhance user privacy, experts have also warned about possible challenges such as username squatting, impersonation, and identity theft. To address these risks, WhatsApp is reportedly working on verification tools to ensure authenticity and prevent misuse of usernames.
If the trial phase proves successful, the change could redefine how over two billion people communicate on the platform transforming WhatsApp from a number-based messaging service to a username-driven social app.
As of the time of this report, WhatsApp’s parent company, Meta, has not announced an official release date for the feature’s global rollout.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
