WhatsApp has completed development of a username-based identity system that will allow users to connect without sharing phone numbers, making one of the platform's most consequential changes since launch. The feature, confirmed through advanced beta testing and internal updates, is expected to begin rolling out in stages in 2026. According to official sources and confirmed development findings, usernames will replace phone numbers as the primary identifier in profiles, contact screens and chats. Recent beta builds show usernames appearing prominently in contact information, eliminating the need to disclose a personal phone number when starting conversations, making calls or joining groups.
Once live, users will be able to create and display a custom username, which others can use to find and contact them via a unique '@' handle. Phone numbers will remain hidden unless both parties have saved each other's numbers. Screenshots from testing indicate that usernames sit at the top of contact info pages, while phone numbers only appear under mutual contact conditions.
WhatsApp is also testing a username reservation system ahead of the full launch, suggesting a controlled rollout similar to other social platforms. Format rules, including character limits and restrictions to prevent impersonation, are expected, although final guidelines have not yet been published.
The company has positioned the move as a major privacy upgrade, reducing exposure of sensitive contact details and aligning WhatsApp more closely with services such as Telegram and Signal. Analysts say the shift reflects a broader industry trend toward privacy-centric communication and greater user control over discoverability.
For businesses, WhatsApp is introducing a Business-Scoped User ID (BSUID) to ensure continued customer communication under the new system. The identifier will be integrated into WhatsApp Business APIs, with companies advised to update CRM systems and messaging workflows ahead of a June 2026 compliance deadline. While no exact public launch date has been announced, internal timelines point to early-to-mid 2026 for initial rollouts.
