WhatsApp is set to add usernames in 2026, a long-awaited feature that will make it easier for users to find each other. This new feature is one of the biggest changes to WhatsApp’s identity and privacy settings since the app was first released. This feature will let people connect with each other using unique usernames instead of phone numbers. This could change the way we use WhatsApp for both business and personal communication.
Going Beyond Phone Numbers
WhatsApp has required users to sign up and give their phone number as proof of identity until now. This method has made sure that the information is real, but it also raises privacy issues. When you give your phone number to strangers or business contacts, you might get spam or unwanted calls. WhatsApp wants to get rid of this problem by letting people talk without giving out their phone numbers.
This move is similar to what Telegram and Instagram do, where users can be found by their unique handle. This change for WhatsApp is part of a larger move toward more private and flexible ways to communicate.
How the Username Feature Will Work
WABetaInfo and other tech insiders say that the username system will be built right into the app’s profile settings. Every user will be able to make their own username, which they can then use instead of their phone number to connect with new people.
The feature should work perfectly in both one-on-one and group chats. Users can send their usernames through QR codes, chat invites, or even links to their businesses. It is important to note that usernames will probably be encrypted and protected by WhatsApp’s current end-to-end encryption system, which makes privacy a top priority.
A Good Thing for Safety and Privacy
One of the best things about this new feature is that it will protect your privacy more. Users have to give their phone number to start a conversation right now, which can be awkward in a lot of situations, like in online communities, professional groups, or with people they don’t know well.
You can stay anonymous and still be able to be reached with usernames. Businesses, freelancers, and influencers can talk to clients or followers without giving out their personal phone numbers. This change should also cut down on phishing and spam because users will have more control over how people find and contact them on the platform.
WhatsApp for Work and Businesses: What You Need to Know
The new username feature will also be very important for WhatsApp Business and WhatsApp for Work. Businesses will be able to make usernames that are unique to their brand, which will make it easier for customers to find and contact them without having to use phone directories or saved numbers.
If you could search for @PizzaPalace or @TechFixStore right in WhatsApp, it could be a new way for businesses to connect with customers, like Instagram or X (formerly Twitter). Also, it fits with Meta’s long-term goal of creating interconnected digital identities across all of its apps.
Usernames and Meta’s Bigger Picture
WhatsApp’s new username feature fits in with Meta’s ongoing work to bring together its platforms—Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp—while still giving each user a unique experience. Eventually, usernames could be used as cross-platform IDs, letting users move between apps without having to switch between profiles or contact lists.
This also goes along with Meta’s growing interest in digital identity, privacy, and personalization. As Meta keeps growing into metaverse-related experiences and interconnected ecosystems, adding usernames to WhatsApp could be the first step toward a single identity system.
Testing in Beta and Expected Release
Right now, the username feature is being worked on and tested. WhatsApp beta builds for Android and iOS have already shown signs of it, but the full rollout won’t happen until the middle of 2026.
Before the feature is released to everyone, WhatsApp will probably test it with a small group of beta users to make sure the transition goes smoothly and there are no problems with duplicate usernames, security holes, or usability issues. When it’s done, it will probably be released with a big update that adds other features like better group management, syncing across devices, and chat tools powered by AI.
Possible Problems Ahead
There are some problems that come with the introduction of usernames, even though it promises big benefits. It could be hard to manage unique usernames around the world because billions of people will be trying to get simple or popular handles. Also, strong verification systems will be needed to stop impersonation and fake accounts.
WhatsApp will also need to teach users how to safely use usernames, especially in public or professional settings, to keep people from misusing them and keep their trust. Still, these problems should be solved well because WhatsApp has a strong infrastructure and Meta has worked with large-scale social identity systems before.
Conclusion: A Big Change for WhatsApp
In 2026, WhatsApp will get usernames, which will change the way people talk to each other online. This isn’t just a small change; it’s a big step toward giving users more privacy, flexibility, and control over their identities around the world.
WhatsApp is getting closer to becoming a more open yet secure messaging system by getting rid of the need for phone numbers. This is in line with what modern users expect in terms of safety, convenience, and personal choice.
People all over the world are looking forward to this rollout. One thing is clear: WhatsApp is no longer just a messaging app; it’s becoming a dynamic communication platform for the next generation of digital interaction.
