WhatsApp now lets you chat without sharing your phone number — Here's how to claim your username

No longer required to share your phone number on WhatsApp: Meta launches global username reservations to protect privacy in group chats and professional contacts.

The world’s most popular instant messaging platform is about to undergo one of its most radical transformations. Meta, the parent company led by Mark Zuckerberg, has officially announced the introduction of usernames for WhatsApp. The new feature is designed to eliminate the previous requirement to share one’s private phone number.

The technological turning point will allow users to start conversations and interact with strangers, professionals, or businesses while protecting their personal contact information—sensitive data that, until now, was by default visible to anyone who came into contact with their profile.

This innovation will have a significant impact on the management of daily and professional life. Consider the classic, chaotic school discussions among parents or temporary work groups: thanks to the new system, it will be possible to exchange messages while keeping one’s phone number hidden from other participants. However, this new feature will not turn the app into an open social media network; the company has clarified that no public search directory or automatic suggestion system will be implemented, ensuring private and secure interactions.

How the security code and username generator work

To further enhance security, the developers have integrated an additional, highly restrictive digital barrier. Anyone wishing to contact a user for the first time will not only need to know the exact username of the person they’re trying to reach but may also be required to enter the “username key.”

This is an optional additional code that the account owner can enable at their discretion: if the key is set, the stranger will have to enter it correctly, which will block any attempt at spam or unwanted contact by third parties right from the start. Given that the number of active users of the app exceeds three billion worldwide, the risk of duplicate usernames or usernames with the same name is extremely high.

To address this issue and help those who are undecided make a choice, Meta will provide users with an automatic generator of personalized options. The situation is different for content creators, commercial organizations, and small businesses. They will be able to import and lock in the exact same username already registered and used on their Instagram and Facebook accounts, thereby preserving their brand recognition.

Bookings open to reserve your username

Although the feature will be rolled out gradually over the coming months of 2026, the organizational machinery is already in motion. Meta has officially opened the username reservation phase. The reservation process involves just a few simple steps and requires users to install the latest updated version of the app on their smartphones.

The steps to secure your desired username involve accessing the WhatsApp settings menu. From there, users must tap the “Account” section, then select the option labeled “Username.” Users are free to choose any username they like, without the restrictions found on other platforms, giving free rein to their creativity. They will receive a direct notification as soon as the service is fully operational.

Source: WhatsApp Blog