WhatsApp Aims to Allow Usernames From Next Year
WhatsApp aims to allow usernames from next year, offering users a new way to connect without sharing their numbers and enhancing privacy on the platform.
WhatsApp is preparing to offer users an option to create unique usernames starting next year, moving away from relying solely on phone numbers as identifiers. This shift will enhance privacy and security by allowing users to connect without sharing their phone numbers, a feature long requested by both individuals and businesses.
Privacy and Identity Separation
Currently, WhatsApp requires users to share their phone numbers to communicate, which can raise security and privacy concerns. Usernames will add a valuable layer of separation between users’ online interactions and their real-world identities.
This is especially important when messaging businesses or people you don’t know personally.
As reported by Android Police, WhatsApp has started notifying business users about the upcoming update, sharing official guidance on how to prepare for the introduction of usernames.
According to WhatsApp:
“We are excited that WhatsApp will soon support one of our most requested features – the ability to adopt a username. This has strong benefits for people and businesses alike: usernames offer people a simple way to further protect their privacy by displaying their username rather than their phone number when messaging with others in 1:1 conversations and in groups.”
WhatsApp stated that the ability to add a username to user accounts will launch next year, giving users greater control over how they share their contact details.
“For businesses, usernames will allow you to easily build your brand presence on WhatsApp based on your name rather than your phone number, making it easier for customers to connect with you.
Usernames will make it easier for people to message your business and give them confidence about their privacy – two positive changes to the business messaging experience on WhatsApp.”
Business Benefits and Technical Changes
For businesses, usernames provide a clearer brand presence, enabling customers to connect with brands by an easily recognizable handle instead of a phone number. This improves user confidence and streamlines business messaging workflows.
To support this change, businesses using the WhatsApp Business API will need to update their systems to adopt new identifiers called Business Scoped User IDs (BSUIDs).
These IDs allow businesses to message customers even when phone numbers are hidden due to username use. The update requires syncing backend systems, including CRMs, with the new API fields by June 2026.
“In order to process messages from customers who have adopted usernames, businesses will need to prepare your systems and workflows to incorporate this new identifier, referred to as a business-scoped user ID in our technical documents. This new identifier will be available on current and new API versions as a new webhook field. Developer docs are available here.”
Timing and Preparation
Though WhatsApp hasn’t announced an exact launch date, the rollout is expected in phases through 2026, with full adoption targeted by June 2026.
Businesses have already been notified and advised to begin system preparations for this major identity overhaul.
What This Means for WhatsApp’s Future
This change marks a significant evolution in WhatsApp’s approach to privacy and communication.
By letting users control how their identities appear and enabling businesses to create brand handles, WhatsApp is aligning more closely with modern digital identity standards.
It also complements other upcoming features like real-time translation, positioning WhatsApp as a versatile, secure, and user-friendly global communication platform.
Final Thought
Overall, WhatsApp’s username implementation is a positive step toward balancing privacy, usability, and security in messaging. Users seeking better control over their contact information can look forward to a more private and professional messaging experience starting next year.
