WhatsApp has introduced a new feature that could completely change how people connect on the platform. The company is now testing a Username feature, which will allow users to chat without sharing their mobile number.
This feature is currently available to a limited number of users and will be rolled out to everyone gradually.
Until now, sharing a phone number was necessary to start a conversation on WhatsApp, but this new update aims to remove that need.
No More Sharing Your Phone Number
With the new Username feature, users will be able to create a unique username for their profile. Instead of giving out your mobile number, people can simply search for your username and start chatting.
This is a big step toward improving privacy. Your number will remain hidden, which means:
Less risk of spam calls and unwanted messages
Better protection from unknown contacts
Reduced chances of personal data misuse
This feature will be especially useful for people who interact with new clients, customers, or strangers regularly but don’t want to share their personal number.
How the Username Feature Will Work
Once the feature is fully available, users will get an option in Settings to create their own username. This username will act as your identity on WhatsApp.
Here’s how it works:
You set a unique username
Others search for you using that username
Chats can start without sharing your phone number
However, your mobile number will still be required for account creation and verification. The main change is that you won’t need to share it for everyday conversations.
A Big Change in How We Use WhatsApp
This update will make chatting much simpler and more flexible. Earlier, you had to save someone’s number before starting a conversation. Now, that step will no longer be needed.
Users will be able to:
Connect instantly using usernames
Avoid saving unnecessary contacts
Chat more safely with unknown people
