By Deborah Nnamdi
WhatsApp is testing a groundbreaking feature that could let users connect without revealing their phone numbers — a move that signals one of the biggest privacy updates in the app’s history.
According to reports from WhatsApp’s beta testing programme, the messaging platform is developing a username system that will allow users to create unique handles — much like Instagram, Telegram, or X — and use them to chat or join groups without sharing personal phone numbers.
The feature is aimed at enhancing privacy and user control, particularly in large group or business settings where disclosing phone numbers can be uncomfortable or unsafe.
Leaked screenshots from the beta version show a new “Username” field in user profiles, enabling users to choose distinctive identifiers while keeping their contact numbers hidden.
Analysts say the change could make WhatsApp more like a social networking platform. However, it also raises concerns about possible username squatting and impersonation risks.
To address these, WhatsApp is expected to roll out verification tools and safeguards before the feature is officially launched.
The username feature is still under development, but if fully implemented, it could redefine how more than two billion people connect on WhatsApp — shifting the focus from phone numbers to personalized usernames.
