WhatsApp, the Meta-owned messaging giant with over 2 billion users worldwide, is testing a feature that could fundamentally change how people connect on the platform with unique usernames designed to replace phone numbers.
The update, spotted in the latest beta version of the app, allows users to create custom handles similar to those on Instagram, Telegram, or X enabling chats and group joins without exposing personal contact details.
Leaked screenshots from the beta program reveal a new "Username" field in user profiles, where individuals can select a unique alphanumeric handle (with letters, numbers, periods, and underscores allowed, but no domains like ".com" to prevent phishing).
Users will have the option to hide their phone numbers entirely from new contacts, adding a robust layer of privacy control.
For instance, someone adding you to a chat or group would simply enter your username, bypassing the need to share or request a number—especially useful for international connections or business interactions.
The feature stems from WhatsApp's ongoing push to address privacy concerns, as the app has long required a phone number for sign-up and identification, tying it closely to users' SIM cards.
"This is a big shift," said a Meta spokesperson in a statement to tech outlets. "We're making WhatsApp feel more like a modern social network, where you control what personal info you share."
Early tests suggest it will include system notifications for username changes in chats and optional privacy toggles to decide who sees your number after connecting.
Privacy advocates have praised the move amid rising data protection demands, but experts warn of challenges like username squatting where popular handles are hoarded—or impersonation risks.
To counter this, WhatsApp plans to integrate verification tools, such as badges for authenticated accounts, ensuring users can trust who they're messaging.
The feature remains optional, allowing users to stick with phone numbers if preferred, and is expected to roll out gradually to all users in the coming months following successful beta feedback.
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