Meta is finally adding a long-awaited feature to WhatsApp – unique usernames. Until now, the app only allowed registration and login via phone number, which made it difficult to protect personal information and increased the risk of spam and unwanted calls.
How the New Feature Will Work
According to WABetaInfo, which tracks new features in WhatsApp beta versions, the company is currently testing the option to create a unique username consisting of letters and numbers, with the possibility of using periods and underscores (“.” and “_”).
Some important rules for usernames include:
- No special characters except periods and underscores.
- Usernames cannot start with “www.” or end with domains like “.com” to prevent misleading or phishing attempts.
- Usernames must be unique – already taken usernames won’t be available.
- If someone changes their username, a system message will appear in your chat notifying you of the update.
Most importantly, you will no longer need to share your phone number when connecting with new contacts. Instead, you can use your username, which greatly improves privacy and security.
Why This Matters
From the beginning, WhatsApp has relied on phone numbers as the primary identifier, ensuring easy verification and security but also exposing personal data. Introducing usernames gives users more control over who can see their phone number.
This change is especially useful for:
Additional Important Information
- Usernames won’t replace phone numbers for login and registration – you’ll still need your phone number for verification.
- Usernames act like nicknames or alternative contact handles rather than full login credentials.
- The feature is currently in beta (version 25.17.10.70) and may change before official release.
- There might be some initial confusion among users, so WhatsApp will likely provide guidance and instructions for proper use.
- This is an important step toward enhanced personalization and future possibilities for safer and more convenient communication.
Tips for Business Users
- Choose a short, memorable username linked to your brand.
- Inform your team about the new feature and how it can improve client communication.
- Update your business cards, website, and social profiles with your new WhatsApp username as soon as it’s available.
When to Expect It
There’s no official release date yet, but the feature is already in beta and expected to roll out to all users soon.