One of the world’s most widely used messaging platforms, WhatsApp, which boasts close to 3 billion active users across the globe, is rolling out a transformative privacy-focused update that will redefine how users connect on the service. For years, the platform has relied on phone numbers as the primary identifier for accounts, but that long-standing system is getting a major overhaul later this year: users will soon be able to create and use unique custom usernames to connect with others, eliminating the need to share personal contact information to start a conversation.
The new functionality is being rolled out in phases, with early access already open to a small test group of users to reserve their preferred handles ahead of a broader launch in the coming months. To secure a username, users are required to update their mobile WhatsApp application to the latest version, then set their unique handle through the app’s settings menu. Notably, the reservation process can only be completed via the native smartphone app, and is not supported on WhatsApp Web or the desktop version of the platform.
To address ongoing concerns around unwanted contact, spam, and privacy breaches, WhatsApp has built multiple layers of protection into the new system. Unlike many other social and messaging platforms, WhatsApp will not maintain a public searchable directory of usernames, nor will it suggest accounts to users based on existing contacts or usage data. This means that a user can only be found and contacted by a new person if that person already knows their exact username.
For an extra level of security, users will also have the option to add a unique personal key to their account. With this optional feature enabled, a new contact can only reach out if they know both the user’s username and their personal key, creating an additional barrier that drastically reduces the risk of unsolicited messages from strangers and spam senders.
The update also includes special provisions for businesses and public figures, who will get the opportunity to reserve their official usernames ahead of the general rollout. WhatsApp will hold control over high-demand and brand-related usernames to prevent impersonation, fraud, and misleading activity on the platform.
Alice Newton-Rex, Vice President of Product at WhatsApp, emphasized that the entire feature was built from the ground up as a core privacy tool for users. “We recognize that sharing a personal phone number is a big ask for many people,” she explained, noting that users often want to start new conversations without exposing sensitive personal contact information. For years, WhatsApp has only offered reactive tools to address unwanted contact, such as the ability to block individual accounts or mute calls from unknown numbers. This new update marks a shift to proactive privacy protection, giving users control over who can reach them before any contact is made.
As the rollout progresses, WhatsApp will notify users directly through the app once the feature becomes available in their specific region. The company has advised all users to keep their mobile application updated to ensure they can access the new privacy settings as soon as they launch.