April 11, 2026, 10:56 am | Read time: 2 minutes
Soon, the messaging app WhatsApp might make the previously mandatory phone number for chats obsolete. Currently, if you want to meet new people—whether at a party, at work, or after an online meeting—you have to share your phone number. This often causes unease, especially with casual acquaintances or fleeting contacts. WhatsApp is addressing this issue with a feature that has been in development for some time.
Username as New Identification
At the end of November 2025, it was revealed that WhatsApp is considering allowing users to choose usernames that would serve as identification instead of phone numbers. The goal is to make phone numbers unnecessary for everyday contact. However, a phone number will still be required for account creation. The username is intended as an alternative to protect your phone number in daily life. According to WABetaInfo, a limited number of users are now gaining access to this new feature in a highly restricted test run.
Protection Against Unwanted Contacts
Usernames also come with risks, as strangers could more easily initiate contact or find profiles. WhatsApp is responding with security measures: Users who do not want to receive unwanted requests can set an additional code. Only those who know both the code and the username can start a conversation. This is intended to prevent spam and unsolicited messages.
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Gradual Rollout Planned
When the feature will be available to everyone is still uncertain. What is certain is that the rollout will occur in several stages. Initially, only a small group of users will have access. Gradually, more users will be able to use the feature. Since development has been ongoing for several months, a broader rollout is likely not far off.
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Can I Already Use the Feature?
Whether your account is included can be seen in the profile settings. If a new field for the username appears there, it can be set up immediately. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait. Usernames can be between three and 35 characters long and may only contain lowercase letters, numbers, periods, and underscores.
Additionally, at least one letter must be included. Names that resemble internet addresses or start with “www.” are not allowed. New names must also not be already in use on other Meta services like Facebook or Instagram. Existing names can only be transferred with proof through the Account Center.