WhatsApp Replaces Phone Numbers With Usernames.
Until now, adding someone as a friend on WhatsApp meant providing their phone number—which may not always be desirable, especially if you’ve just met them or are in a group chat with a lot of other people.
Things are finally changing: WhatsApp is starting to use usernames. According to WhatsApp representatives, the update will be released “later this year,” although you can reserve your chosen name as early as this week. It will work just like usernames on other messaging apps and social networks, meaning you’ll no longer need to share your phone number to communicate with someone.
“Usernames are our latest step toward improving privacy on WhatsApp,” explains a recent WhatsApp blog post . “There’s no directory to browse and no clues—people will need to know your exact username to contact you for the first time.”
There’s also an extra layer of security if you’re concerned someone might accidentally find or guess your username: you can add an optional username key that other users will need to add you to their group.
WhatsApp didn’t provide a precise launch timeline, but said usernames will begin rolling out “gradually over the coming months,” and users will be notified when the feature becomes available in their region. Once enabled, usernames will replace phone numbers when establishing new contacts.
How to verify your WhatsApp username
Content creators, small businesses, and organizations can use the same username as they do on Facebook or Instagram. Everyone else can go to “Settings” in the mobile app and select “Account” > “Username” —though this option isn’t yet available to everyone (if you don’t see it, try updating the app).
And in case you were thinking about reserving @TomHolland or @Zendaya, WhatsApp told The Verge that the celebrity and political names have already been reserved. If you’re completely out of inspiration, you can also use the username generator.
The blog post specifically states that bookings will open “this week,” so if you want to snag your coveted username before anyone else, keep a close eye on WhatsApp in the coming days.