Ajay Kumar Verma
When you connect with people on WhatsApp, either via groups or from your personal profile for work or business, have you ever felt burdened by the fact that these strangers will have access to your phone number too, something you would want to keep private?
What is the new feature?
In a blog post published on June 29, the messaging platform informed users that they can reserve unique usernames to chat without sharing numbers when the feature launches later this year.
your phone number is personal and sometimes you want to connect without handing it over. that’s why we’re introducing usernames for WhatsApp.
starting this week, you can reserve a username to use later this year when we launch the feature. It takes just a few seconds, make sure…
— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) June 29, 2026
That means, once the app makes usernames operational in your country, when you message with someone either for personal or business purposes, they will no longer see your phone number, but your username instead.
Also read: WhatsApp’s privacy policy and the myth of user choice
“Timing is everything. Joined WhatsApp early enough to claim my username before we release this to the world. Time to get yours. A more private way to connect. Coming soon to your WhatsApp.” WhatsApp global head Kunal Shah posted on X.
Username generator
But what if your username clashes with other namesakes?
WhatsApp has a fix to that too. While the early reservation facility will help people who come first to select their desired usernames, in case the username you want has already been designated to someone else, WhatsApp can help you pick one with the help of its username generator.
The blog says that for creators, small businesses and organisations, who may want to maintain a consistent presence online, the app has reserved an option to claim their existing Facebook or Instagram username on WhatsApp.
Username key
“Usernames are our latest step to make WhatsApp even more private. There’s no directory to browse and no suggestions – people will need to know your exact username to contact you for the first time,” the blog says.
Also read: WhatsApp Pay’s India struggle: Can Kunal Shah turn it around?
“To help control who can reach you on WhatsApp with your username, we’ve built an optional username key that others will need to know to message you,” it adds.
How to set it?
It is easy. To set your username, open your WhatsApp app, go to ‘Settings’, click on ‘Account’ and then on the ‘Username’ option where you can set the name you want.
Also read: 9,400 WhatsApp accounts banned in crackdown on digital arrest scams: Centre to SC
WhatsApp has said that it will be rolling out usernames gradually over the coming months and notify users when it is launched in their country.
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