WhatsApp is gearing up to introduce a much-requested privacy feature: usernames. According to a new report by WaBetaInfo, the platform is testing a system where users can chat without revealing their phone numbers, offering more control over personal information especially when joining group chats or interacting with unknown contacts.
Usernames will follow a simple format, allowing lowercase letters, numbers, underscores, and periods, and must include at least one letter. A username availability checker is also in development, likely debuting on WhatsApp Web. Users will receive alerts when their contacts update their usernames, adding an extra layer of transparency.
While no official release date has been confirmed, the rollout is expected within the next few weeks as testing nears completion. It’s still unclear if phone numbers will remain visible to existing contacts or only be hidden from new connections. Either way, it marks a significant step toward enhancing privacy and giving users more anonymity on the world’s most popular messaging app.
