November 18, 2025, 8:43 am | Read time: 2 minutes
Until now, using WhatsApp required a phone number. However, the messenger has been preparing to introduce usernames that will be linked to accounts instead of numbers. These usernames will also help in searching for unknown contacts.
No Names in Search Yet
The new username feature is still in development. But as the well-informed site “WABetaInfo” reports, WhatsApp is already working on refining the details. In the future, the messenger will allow users to search specifically for usernames. Even if only a phone number is entered, the usernames will be visible.
Currently, WhatsApp contacts can only be found if they are saved with a name. Searching for the so-called push name, which users can set in their profile, is not possible. This name only appears once a chat has been started. This often makes it difficult to identify contacts, as you need to know the phone number to associate it with a contact. In searches, only the number itself and (often) a profile picture appear.
How to Secure Your WhatsApp Username
WhatsApp Replaces Phone Numbers With Usernames
Usernames Make Search Easier and More Transparent
In the beta version 25.32.10.70 for iOS, WABetaInfo discovered a feature that will allow users to search for others by their usernames. This will make it easier to find contacts without needing to know their phone numbers.
Also interesting: How to Secure Your WhatsApp Username
In the beta version 25.34.10.70 for iOS, an additional feature is introduced. In the future, WhatsApp will automatically display the username of an account when a user enters an unknown phone number into the search field and it is linked to a registered account. This feature aims to provide more clarity about who is behind a phone number. Additionally, users can recognize unknown contacts more quickly–even without a profile picture.
The introduction of usernames in search is also expected to improve privacy by ensuring phone numbers do not appear when users search only by name. Depending on privacy settings, only limited information such as the profile picture will be visible alongside the username during a search.
Introduction Planned for 2026
WhatsApp has confirmed the introduction of usernames for 2026 in its documentation for developers. Companies using WhatsApp Business must ensure they support the feature by June 2026, according to “WABetaInfo.” Only then will the worldwide launch for users take place.