Millions of users of Meta-owned messenger WhatsApp will now no longer need to share phone numbers, the company announced on Monday, adding that each user will be able to pick unique usernames to share with
others.
According to a statement, “Your phone number is personal and sometimes you want to connect without handing it over, that’s why we’re introducing usernames for WhatsApp.”
your phone number is personal and sometimes you want to connect without handing it over. that’s why we’re introducing usernames for WhatsApp.
starting this week, you can reserve a username to use later this year when we launch the feature. It takes just a few seconds, make sure…
— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) June 29, 2026
“Starting this week, you can reserve a username to use later this year when we launch the feature. It takes just a few seconds, make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp and then go to Settings > Account > Username,” it stated.
AFP quoted the company saying that restricting access to phone numbers would mean they are not shared automatically in cases such as being added to a large group chat or messaging a person or business for the first time.
What’s more, “there’s no directory to browse and no suggestions, so people need to know your exact username to contact you,” Meta said.
The company added that it would gradually roll out this new feature worldwide “over the coming months”, notifying users in each country when they open there.
This comes days after Meta named Indian fintech firm CRED’s founder Kunal Shah as the new global head of WhatsApp, marking one of the most prominent appointments of an Indian entrepreneur in the global technology sector.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg also announced the appointment in a post on Facebook and praised Shah’s track record as an entrepreneur. “Kunal Shah will join Meta as WhatsApp’s next leader. Kunal built CRED into one of India’s most important technology companies, and he brings the kind of builder mentality and global perspective that will serve him well in running the world’s biggest messaging app. I look forward to working with Kunal to continue to make WhatsApp the best service for billions of people and millions of businesses,” Zuckerberg stated.
