WhatsApp is working on a big new update that could change how people connect on the app — by allowing users to chat without sharing their phone numbers.
Instead of using phone numbers, users will be able to create unique usernames, much like what’s already available on Instagram, Telegram, or X. This would be one of WhatsApp’s biggest privacy updates yet, giving people more control over what personal information they share.
The new feature, spotted in WhatsApp’s beta testing programme, will let users join groups and chat with others using their chosen usernames instead of their numbers. It’s designed to make conversations, especially in large group chats or business communities, feel safer and more private.
Leaked screenshots show a new “Username” section on user profiles, where people can choose a custom handle and hide their phone number if they want.
However, experts warn that this change could come with some challenges — like username impersonation or people rushing to claim popular names first. WhatsApp is expected to add verification measures to help prevent abuse.
The username feature is still being tested, but if fully rolled out, it could completely change how more than two billion people around the world connect — making WhatsApp less about phone numbers and more about personal identities.
