WhatsApp has begun a global rollout of its new username feature, allowing users to communicate without revealing their phone numbers, Starting June 29, users can reserve a username ahead of the full launch later in 2026. The feature. Described by WhatsApp as a privacy upgrade, lets users choose a unique name—up to 35 characters—to share instead of their number, as the company emphasized it will not create a public username directory or suggest accounts to users.

How the Username System Works

Users will need to know an exact username to initiate a conversation for the first time; this design avoids public discovery and keeps interactions private; And, users can optionally set a username key, requiring both the username and the key for a new contact to reach them. This extra step aims to reduce unwanted messages. Once activated, first-time conversations will not reveal the recipient’s phone number, even if it is already in the sender’s contact list.

Reservations for usernames are being released gradually to avoid competition for popular names, given WhatsApp’s 3+ billion users. A username generator is included to help users find available names. Businesses, creators, and organizations can reserve the same username they use on Instagram or Facebook by linking their Meta accounts. However, names of high-profile officials and celebrities will be unavailable to prevent misuse.

Privacy and Criticisms

Alice Newton-Rex, WhatsApp’s head of product, said the feature responds to user concerns about sharing phone numbers, especially in group chats or when connecting with new people. She described it as giving users “control over how they choose to show up” on the app. Despite these improvements, privacy experts remain skeptical. Carisa Veliz, an Oxford professor and author of Privacy is Power, noted that while usernames offer more privacy, WhatsApp is not inherently a privacy-friendly app. She pointed out that Meta collects metadata for advertising purposes, even though the content of private messages is protected by end-to-end encryption.

WhatsApp clarified that phone numbers will still be required to create an account and will remain visible to existing contacts. The change does not affect how users add contacts through existing methods like QR codes. For now, a user’s phone number will still appear in the app unless they have already saved it in their contacts. However, during new conversations initiated via a username, the number will remain hidden.

Rollout and Global Availability

WhatsApp is rolling out the feature in waves, with some users receiving in-app notifications about eligibility to reserve a username. The global phase started on June 29, ensuring fair access to usernames worldwide. While the exact launch date for all users is not specified, it is expected to be fully available later in 2026. The company acknowledged the likelihood of high demand for certain usernames and is managing the rollout to prevent conflicts.

Users can also change or delete their usernames after they are set. The feature is consistent with trends seen in other messaging platforms like Instagram or Signal. However, WhatsApp’s approach emphasizes privacy by not suggesting names or making them publicly searchable.