How To Create WhatsApp Username To Chat Without Sharing Phone Number

WhatsApp users globally are gaining a new layer of digital privacy as the platform begins the rollout of unique usernames. This long-awaited update allows individuals to communicate without the necessity of sharing their personal phone numbers, a feature that has been a defining constraint of the app since its inception.

The transition to this system is designed for privacy rather than social networking. By choosing a unique identifier, users can initiate conversations with new contacts, businesses, or large group chats while keeping their digits private. This measure is intended to curb unsolicited contact and reduce the risk associated with sharing personal information in public or professional digital spaces. WhatsApp Username Feature: What It Is and How Users Can Chat Without Sharing Phone Numbers.

WhatsApp Username Video Ft. Professional Boxer Anthony Joshua

How to Reserve Your WhatsApp Username?

To secure a preferred handle before the feature becomes widely available later this year, users are encouraged to reserve their names early. As the platform supports over three billion users, the early reservation phase helps prevent name collisions. Eligible creators, small businesses, and organisations also have the option to claim the same usernames they currently use on Instagram or Facebook to maintain a consistent digital identity across the Meta ecosystem.

To reserve a username, ensure your app is updated to the latest version. Navigate to the Settings menu, select Account, and then tap on the Username option. If your chosen handle is unavailable, the app provides a built-in generator to suggest unique alternatives. It is important to note that usernames must be between 3 and 35 characters, containing only letters, numbers, underscores, and periods, while avoiding domain-style extensions.

How To Create WhatsApp Username To Chat Without Sharing Phone Number?

Users seeking to initiate contact without disclosing their mobile number should first navigate to the Settings tab within the WhatsApp application. Select the Profile section, where a new Username field will now be visible for accounts with the feature enabled. By tapping this option, you can type your preferred handle.

Once the platform verifies that the username is unique and meets all character requirements, you can save it to your profile. This unique identifier can then be shared on business cards, social media profiles, or professional networking sites. When a prospective contact types this handle into their WhatsApp search bar, a chat window will open directly, bypassing the need for them to save your digits into their address book or see your phone number in the contact details view.

WhatsApp Username to Enhance Privacy of Users

To prevent unwanted messages, WhatsApp has explicitly stated that there will be no searchable directory or public suggestions. To contact someone for the first time, one must know their exact username. For an additional layer of protection, the platform is introducing an optional username key. This four-digit code acts as a secondary verification, ensuring that even if someone has your username, they cannot initiate a conversation unless they also possess this unique key. How To Reserve Your WhatsApp Username Before Feature Rolls Out.

The rollout is occurring in phases over the coming months, with in-app notifications alerting users when the feature is active in their region. While this is a significant shift in how people connect, WhatsApp remains anchored to phone numbers for account registration and authentication purposes. The username serves as a contact alternative, offering users more control over who can reach them and how much of their personal information is visible to strangers.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 30, 2026 09:56 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).