WhatsApp is testing a groundbreaking update that will allow users to connect through usernames instead of phone numbers, marking one of the most significant privacy changes in the app’s history.
According to reports, the Meta-owned platform is currently experimenting with the feature in its beta testing programme.
The update would let users create unique usernames similar to handles on Instagram, Telegram, or X (formerly Twitter) and use them to chat or join groups without revealing their personal phone numbers.
The new feature aims to boost privacy and give users more control over their personal information, particularly in large group chats or business conversations where sharing phone numbers can feel intrusive or unsafe.
Leaked screenshots from the beta version show a new “Username” field within user profiles.
This allows individuals to select a distinctive handle that others can use to contact them directly, without needing their phone number.
If implemented, the change would make WhatsApp more social-media-oriented, bridging the gap between messaging and networking platforms.
However, analysts have warned that the shift could also introduce challenges such as username impersonation and account squatting issues that have affected other social platforms.
To prevent abuse, WhatsApp is reportedly developing verification tools and security layers to ensure usernames remain authentic and trustworthy.
The feature remains under testing and has not yet been rolled out publicly.
When fully launched, the username option could revolutionize how more than two billion people communicate on WhatsApp, shifting the app’s identity from being number-based to name-based.
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