You can soon use unique usernames instead of phone numbers on WhatsApp

WhatsApp is introducing usernames, allowing people to chat without sharing their phone numbers.

The feature will be rolled out to the platform’s three billion users over the coming months. From Monday, users can begin reserving a unique username through the app, although creating one will remain optional.

Users will be able to change or remove their username at any time. Once the feature is fully available, people will be able to connect simply by exchanging usernames instead of phone numbers. Existing safety features, including the ability to block and report unwanted messages, will remain in place.

Usernames are the latest step to make WhatsApp even more private. There’s no directory to browse and no suggestions – people will need to know your exact username to contact you for the first time. To help control who can reach you on WhatsApp with your username, they have built an optional username key that others will need to know to message you.

Once they launch usernames, when you message a person or business for the first time they will no longer see your phone number, if you enabled your username.

Reserving your optional username takes just a few seconds on the latest version of WhatsApp – go to Settings > Account > Username.