Testing phase begins for unique handles to replace phone numbers, mirroring platforms like Telegram and Instagram.
WhatsApp is reportedly testing a major update that will allow its two billion users to connect using unique usernames instead of requiring them to share their personal phone numbers. This change is being hailed as one of the most significant privacy shifts in the history of the messaging platform.
According to reports, the feature has been spotted in the app’s beta testing programme. It will enable users to create unique, custom handles, similar to those used on social media platforms like Instagram, Telegram, or X.
Aim to Enhance Privacy
The core purpose of the update is to grant users enhanced privacy and control over their personal information. By allowing communication and group membership via a chosen username, individuals can avoid exposing their phone numbers, a concern often cited in large group chats or when dealing with business contacts.
Leaked screenshots from the beta version show a new “Username” field within user profiles, confirming that users will be able to select a unique identifier and optionally hide their phone numbers.
While the move positions WhatsApp closer to a traditional social platform, experts note it introduces potential concerns, such as the risk of username squatting and impersonation. In anticipation of this, WhatsApp is expected to introduce verification tools to prevent misuse of the new feature.
The username functionality remains in the testing phase, but if successfully rolled out, it is expected to fundamentally transform how people connect on WhatsApp, making the application less reliant on telephone numbers and more focused on digital identity.
