New Delhi : WhatsApp is introducing one of its biggest privacy-focused updates yet, allowing users to connect without sharing their phone numbers. The Meta-owned messaging platform has announced a new username feature, enabling people to chat using a unique username instead of their mobile number. The company has started rolling out username reservations globally from June 29, ahead of the feature’s wider launch later this year.
WhatsApp CEO Kunal Shah said he had already secured his own username ahead of the public release. “Timing is everything. Joined WhatsApp early enough to claim my username before we release this to the world. Time to get yours,” he wrote. According to WhatsApp, the feature is designed to make it easier to stay connected while protecting users’ privacy. Instead of sharing a phone number with new contacts—such as people met at networking events, classmates, neighbours or parents in a school group—users will be able to share a unique username.
To strengthen privacy further, WhatsApp is also introducing an optional Username Key. Users can create a custom key that first-time contacts must enter before sending a message via a username. The key can be updated or changed whenever needed, giving users greater control over who can contact them. Businesses, creators and organisations will be able to claim usernames that match their existing Instagram or Facebook identities, where available.
The company clarified that the new feature will not affect existing chats or contacts. Conversations will continue as usual, while end-to-end encryption, blocking and reporting tools will remain unchanged. The rollout will take place in phases over the coming months, meaning not all users will receive the feature immediately. WhatsApp said it will notify users through the app once username reservations become available in their region, with the full feature expected to launch later this year.
Read Also : Pakistan Minister Threatens India Over Indus Waters: ‘Will Cut Off Those Hands’